Kembali
India began their ODI series against Zimbabwe with a commanding nine-wicket victory at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on October 24. The reigning ODI world champions chased down a target of 198 in just 27.5 overs, with Pratika Rawal leading the charge through an unbeaten century. Shafali Verma provided explosive support as India returned to ODI cricket after an eight-month break from the format.
The victory also marked a successful start to Smriti Mandhana’s tenure as India’s full-time ODI captain. India’s dominant performance with both bat and ball attracted attention from cricket fans, particularly Rawal’s latest milestone and Shafali’s aggressive knock, which helped the hosts complete a comfortable victory.
Zimbabwe elected to bat first but struggled to build substantial partnerships against India’s bowling attack. Beloved Biza top-scored with 62, while Michelle Mavunga contributed a quickfire 29 off 23 deliveries. N Shree Charani claimed four wickets for 23 runs, while Kranti Gaud picked up three wickets for 42 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 197.
In reply, Rawal anchored India’s chase with an unbeaten 100 off 96 deliveries, registering her third ODI century. She shared a 94-run opening partnership with Mandhana before the captain departed. Rawal then combined with Shafali to guide India towards the target, reaching her hundred with consecutive boundaries and completing a memorable individual performance.
Shafali made an immediate impact after coming in at No. 3, smashing an unbeaten 64 off just 33 balls. Her aggressive strokeplay put Zimbabwe’s bowlers under pressure, particularly against leg-spinner Olinder Chare, off whom she scored 43 runs from 19 deliveries. She raced to her half-century in just 29 balls and kept India’s scoring rate high throughout the chase.
The opening partnership between Rawal and Mandhana provided a solid platform, but Shafali’s rapid innings left Zimbabwe with no chance to fight back. She finished the contest with a lofted shot over the bowler’s head as India reached 200/1 in 27.5 overs, sealing a nine-wicket win with 22.5 overs to spare.
Pratika Rawal shines bright with an unbeaten 100* off 96 balls to take home the Player of the Match award in the 1st ODI against Zimbabwe ✋💯#PratikaRawal #INDvZIM pic.twitter.com/Qy1M4SeVA5
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 24, 2026
Pratika Rawal’s assured ton. Shafali Verma’s attacking brilliance 🌟
India batters led them to a convincing victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI 👏
📸: @BCCIWomen
📝: https://t.co/xqIowcz5dF pic.twitter.com/VznVwvEWIr
— ICC (@ICC) October 24, 2026
A boundary to get to a memorable HUNDRED 🥳
Pratika Rawal does in fine fashion 💯
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/rohw1JYI7e#TeamIndia | #INDvZIM | @mflone_ | @RawalPratika pic.twitter.com/gDxaXf2uM8
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 23, 2026
THE PRATIKA RAWAL HUNDRED. pic.twitter.com/nRPm1DE19P
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 23, 2026
– Hundred vs Zimbabwe ✅
– Hundred vs Ireland ✅
– Hundred vs New Zealand ✅STAR OF INDIAN BATTING IN ODIs – Pratika Rawal 🔥🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/uuH7uo4IV6
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 23, 2026
Pratika Rawal scored her 2nd ODI Hundred on 23rd October 2025 last year and today 23rd October 2026, she scored her 3rd ODI Hundred on the same date. 🇮🇳🌟
What a sensational comeback to the format which she loves to play and she is best at. 👏 pic.twitter.com/6cDCJqGmfD
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) October 23, 2026
Brilliant hundred by pratika Rawal Against Zimbabwe first Odi Match 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/zxwK2v3MD1
— Manmohan (@GarhManmohan) October 23, 2026
Pratika Rawal player of the match award against Zimbabwe.👏👏 pic.twitter.com/5SA2I8BH52
— THE GOAT¹⁸ (@imYaman_18) October 23, 2026
It's well deserved hundred by Pratika Rawal.
— Sharik (@siddiquisharik1) October 23, 2026
WHAT A COMEBACK HUNDRED FOR PRATIKA RAWAL.💯🔥
– Welcome back, Pratika Rawal..!!! pic.twitter.com/83s8iYgYhO
— Chinmoy 🇮🇳 (@ChinmoyRay07) October 23, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.