India women won the first ODI against Zimbabwe by nine wickets at the Barabati Stadium in Vadodara on Friday, 23 October 2026, taking a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match series. The match saw India bat first, setting a target of 200 runs, and then chase it with only one wicket falling.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 197 in 49.5 overs. The innings was dominated by Beloved Biza, who top‑scored with 62 off 92 balls, including five fours. Shree Charani, the left‑arm spinner, claimed a career‑best 4/23, dismissing the openers Modester Mupachikwa and Chipo Mugeri‑Tiripano early, and later removing Nyasha Gwanzura and Michelle Mavunga. Kranti Gaud added 3/42, with a wicket of Biza among his three.

India’s chase was powered by an unbeaten 100 from Pratika Rawal, her third ODI hundred. She faced 96 balls, struck 15 fours and shared an unbroken 106‑run partnership with vice‑captain Shafali Verma, who finished on 64* off 33 balls. The pair guided India to 200/1 in 27.1 overs, leaving 22.5 overs to spare and securing the win by nine wickets.

The innings saw a few fielding lapses, including dropped catches that allowed Zimbabwe to reach 197. Wicket‑keeper Richa Ghosh missed an edge off Mugeri‑Tiripano in the third over, and both Mupachikwa and Mugeri‑Tiripano benefited from reprieves. Despite these errors, India’s bowlers maintained pressure, and the batting side capitalised on the good pitch conditions reported for the day.

Smriti Mandhana captained the Indian side, while Deepti Sharma was listed as vice‑captain in the squad announcement. The pitch was described as batting‑friendly, which helped the openers build a solid start before the bowlers took control in the middle overs.

The victory is the first-ever women’s ODI between India and Zimbabwe, marking a historic moment for both teams. India now leads the series 1‑0, with the second ODI scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026, at 2:00 PM in Vadodara, and the third ODI on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, also at 2:00 PM.

India’s performance in the preceding T20I series was also strong, winning 2‑0 with a game left. The first T20I was won by four wickets, and the second by nine wickets, chasing 103 in 8.5 overs on 18 October.

The match showcased India’s depth in batting and bowling, with key contributions from Pratika Rawal, Shree Charani, Shafali Verma and Kranti Gaud, setting the tone for the remainder of the series.