India Women beat Zimbabwe Women by nine wickets with 137 balls remaining in the first ODI on Friday, October 23, with Player of the Match Pratika Rawal scoring 100. After Shree Charani’s four wickets helped dismiss Zimbabwe for 197 in 49.5 overs, India reached 200/1 in 27.1 overs to make a commanding start to the ODI leg of the tour.

Charani leads India’s attack

Beloved Biza provided the strongest resistance in Zimbabwe’s innings, scoring 62. Michelle Mavunga contributed 29 and Modester Mupachikwa added 25, but Zimbabwe were bowled out three deliveries short of their allotted 50 overs.

Charani led India’s wicket-taking effort with four wickets, while Kranti Gaud claimed three and Deepti Sharma took two. Between them, the trio accounted for nine of Zimbabwe’s ten wickets, keeping the target below 200 and giving India’s batters a clear route to victory.

Rawal’s hundred makes light work of the chase

Rawal’s 100 was the centrepiece of India’s reply, with Shafali Verma contributing 64 and Smriti Mandhana making 32. Those three contributions supplied 196 of India’s 200 runs as the hosts lost only one wicket.

Olinder Chare claimed Zimbabwe’s sole wicket, finishing with 1/58 from seven overs. Despite that breakthrough, Zimbabwe could not generate the succession of wickets needed to put the chase under pressure.

T Makusha returned the most economical figures in Zimbabwe’s attack, conceding 15 runs from four wicketless overs. India nevertheless completed the chase with more than 22 overs to spare, underlining the gap between the sides on the day.

Key performers

  • Pratika Rawal: 100 runs and the Player of the Match award.
  • Shafali Verma: 64 runs in India’s successful chase.
  • Smriti Mandhana: 32 runs as India finished on 200/1.
  • Shree Charani: Four wickets, leading India’s attack.
  • Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma: Three and two wickets respectively.
  • Beloved Biza: Zimbabwe’s highest scorer with 62; Michelle Mavunga made 29 and Modester Mupachikwa scored 25.
  • Zimbabwe’s bowling: Olinder Chare took 1/58 in seven overs; T Makusha returned 0/15 in four, L Phiri 0/28 in five, Biza 0/28 in four, Nomvelo Sibanda 0/20 in two, Nyasha Gwanzura 0/18 in two and Mavunga 0/19 in two.

NerdSports Stat: India scored three more runs than Zimbabwe while facing 136 fewer deliveries: 163 balls against Zimbabwe’s 299.

India carry T20I dominance into the ODI leg

The victory follows India’s clean sweep of the three T20Is. They won the opener by four wickets with 26 balls remaining, the second by nine wickets with 67 balls remaining, and the third by 92 runs.

This opening ODI win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series; it does not yet decide the contest. Zimbabwe have their next opportunity to respond on Sunday, October 25, before the final ODI on Wednesday, October 28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between India Women and Zimbabwe Women?

India Women won the match by nine wickets with 137 balls remaining, reaching 200/1 in reply to Zimbabwe Women’s 197.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Pratika Rawal was named Player of the Match for scoring 100 in India’s successful chase.

What is the series standing after this match?

India lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after winning the opening match, having also swept the preceding T20I series 3-0.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Pratika Rawal top-scored with 100 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

India Women face Zimbabwe Women in the next ODI on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The final ODI follows on Wednesday, October 28.