India stun Zimbabwe by 9 wickets; Rawal hails ‘special’ Sree Charani’s maiden four-for haul

Sree Charani produced a match-defining all-out bowling effort, restricting Zimbabwe to 197 runs in just 49.5 overs during the opening ODI of the three-match series at BCA Stadium in Kotambi, near Vadodara on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal registered an unbeaten hundred in the second innings and extended high praise for Charani’s efforts. The right-handed batter underscored the importance of the spinner’s display on a poor-quality pitch that barely assisted the bowlers, recognising the young woman’s ability to dismantle batting partnerships and seize vital wickets under demanding circumstances.

“I think Sree Charani is a special player. There are no ifs and buts about it. I’ve seen her bowl since her debut, and the way she has grown is commendable,” Rawal said in a BCCI video.

“On a wicket like this, where the ball isn’t doing much, to be able to get those wickets and break those partnerships is commendable. It’s a long way ahead for her and if she keeps her head down, she’s going to go way up and be in that legend category. She has that calibre; it’s just that she has to believe,” she added.

Charani’s four-wicket haul over two bursts of 10 overs was accompanied by three maiden balls, establishing a defining 4/23 figure that represents the best bowling output in her ODI debut. Demonstrating immense skill and composure on a tough batting surface, she consistently dismantled partnerships and secured vital wickets, highlighting her growing maturity and tactical resilience under pressure.

India capitalised with a commanding nine-wicket victory, with Rawal adding yet another century to the tally. The triumph cemented the depth of India’s bowling unit and Charani’s expanding influence within the team’s game plan ahead of the series against Zimbabwe. Her maiden four-wicket haul has been a standout landmark, validating the observer’s conviction in her ultimate potential.

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