Shafali, Pratika Steer India to Nine-Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe

Vadodara, Oct 23: India began their series against Zimbabwe in emphatic fashion, winning the first women's ODI by nine wickets in Vadodara.

Zimbabwe were restricted to 197 all out in 49.5 overs. India then overhauled the target of 198 in 27.1 overs, losing one wicket, at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium.

Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal gave India a flying start, adding 94 runs in 15.3 overs for the first wicket. Mandhana made 32 from 34 balls before she was dismissed.

Pratika Rawal stayed in the middle and combined with Shafali Verma for an unbroken second-wicket partnership of 106 runs from 70 balls, sealing the victory.

Shafali Verma was not out on 64 from 33 balls, striking five fours and four sixes. Rawal's unbeaten 100 came from 96 balls and included 15 fours.

In the Zimbabwe innings, Bilvd Beeza was the top scorer with 62, hitting five fours. Lorine Phiri was out for one, and Modester Mufikwa was dismissed for 25 after a promising start. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano made 21.

Sharne Meyers was out for eight to Deepti Sharma, while Nyasha Gwanzura made 13 from 28 balls. Chiedza Dhuru was clean bowled for 10 by Kranti Gaud. Four Zimbabwe batters failed to reach double figures.

India's bowlers were impressive. Shree Charani took 4 wickets for 23 runs in her 10-over spell, Kranti Gaud claimed 3 wickets for 42 runs, and Deepti Sharma took 2 wickets for 44 runs in 9.5 overs.