Pratika Rawal. (Photo/BCCI)
Pratika Rawal scored her third ODI century while Shree Charani claimed career-best figures of 4/23 as India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the opening match of the three-ODI series in Vadodara on Friday. Pratika’s opening partner Mandhana scored 32 before being caught by Biza at long-on off Olinder Chare in the 16th over, ending a 94-run opening partnership. Earlier, Charani helped restrict Zimbabwe to 197 on a batting-friendly pitch at Kotambi. The left-arm spinner dismissed openers Modester Mupachikwa, who scored 25, and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (21) before returning to remove Nyasha Gwanzura (13) and Michelle Mavunga (29).
Mupachikwa offered another chance in the eighth over when she attempted to pull a wide delivery from Gaud and edged it towards Deepti Sharma at second slip. The India vice-captain tried to take the catch with a reverse cup, but the ball popped out of her hands.