Pratika Rawal's Unbeaten Century Powers India to Nine-Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe in 1st ODI

India secured a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI in Vadodara on Friday, chasing down a target of 198 runs. Newly appointed full-time captain Smriti Mandhana chose Pratika Rawal as her opening partner, while Shafali Verma batted at number three in the absence of the injured Jemimah Rodrigues.

Match Summary and Key Performances

• Competition: Women's One Day International (ODI)
• Teams: India vs. Zimbabwe
• Venue: Vadodara
• Date: Friday
• Result: India won by nine wickets, successfully chasing a target of 198 runs.

Pratika Rawal answered questions regarding India's opening combination by scoring a solid, unbeaten century. After the match, Pratika revealed that watching television highlights of her previous century against New Zealand from the 2025 World Cup helped her prepare.

Shafali Verma contributed significantly with a quick-fire half-century after adjusting to the number three position. Meanwhile, bowler N. Sree Charani delivered career-best figures of four wickets for 23 runs, including three maiden overs, to help restrict Zimbabwe.

Practical Implications and Verification

Fans and analysts reviewing the match can verify official scorecards and post-match player quotes through the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official channels and recognized sports news networks such as Sportstar. The fixture highlights India's evolving batting permutations in the absence of key players.