Rawal century leads India to nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe

India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the first women’s ODI, reaching 200 for one in 27.1 overs after bowling the visitors out for 197 in Vadodara. Pratika Rawal’s unbeaten century anchored the chase, while Shafali Verma finished not out on 64 as India took the opening match of the three-game series. Rawal made 100 from 96 balls, including 15 boundaries. Shafali scored 64 not out, and the pair added an unbeaten 106 for the second wicket. India needed 198 to win and completed the chase with 137 balls remaining. Captain Smriti Mandhana made 32 before she was dismissed, ending an opening stand of 94 with Rawal. Zimbabwe had elected to bat and reached 197 before being dismissed in 49.5 overs. Sree Charani led India’s bowling with four wickets, while Kranti Gaud took three. Beloved Biza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 62 from 92 balls, holding the innings together as wickets fell around her. Biza’s innings included four boundaries. She shared a partnership with Nyasha Gwanzura, who scored 13, before adding runs with the lower order. Michelle Mavunga contributed 29, but Charani dismissed her to complete her four-wicket haul. India’s bowlers kept Zimbabwe from building a sustained...