Vadodara, Oct 24:
Pratika Rawal smashed an unbeaten century while Shafali Verma struck a blistering half-century as India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the first women’s ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Friday. Chasing 198, India reached 200 for one in just 27.1 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pratika remained unbeaten on 100 off 96 balls, hitting 15 boundaries, while Shafali hammered 64 not out off just 33 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes. Their aggressive batting ensured India completed the chase comfortably with 137 balls to spare.
The pair added an unbeaten 106 runs for the second wicket. Earlier, Pratika had shared a 94-run opening partnership with captain Smriti Mandhana, who scored 32 off 34 balls before being dismissed. Mandhana is leading India in the ODI series.
Earlier, Zimbabwe, opting to bat, were bowled out for 197 in 49.5 overs. India’s dominant chase gave them an early advantage in the series, with Pratika’s century and Shafali’s explosive innings proving decisive.