Pratika Rawal scores unbeaten 100 as India beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets
Pratika Rawal's unbeaten century and Shree Charani's four wickets sealed India's nine-wicket win in the first ODI against Zimbabwe.
Pratika Rawal scored an unbeaten century to guide India to a nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Friday. The hosts chased down 198 with 22.5 overs to spare after Zimbabwe were bowled out for 197. India now lead the three-match series 1-0.
Shree Charani took career-best figures of 4 for 23 while Kranti Gaud claimed 3 for 42 as Zimbabwe lost wickets regularly after a promising start. Beloved Biza top-scored for the visitors with 62 off 92 balls. Rawal reached her third ODI hundred from 96 deliveries, adding an unbroken 106-run stand with Shafali Verma, who finished on 64 not out from 33 balls.
Smriti Mandhana led India as full-time captain for the fourth consecutive victory. The match marked the debut of Jintimani Kalita, who conceded 23 runs in five overs.
CricHubb Take
India's fielding lapses against Zimbabwe showed that even comfortable wins can mask ongoing issues that stronger sides will exploit.