India opener Pratika Rawal credited her preparation and confidence at the crease for her unbeaten century against Zimbabwe in the first ODI at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Friday.
Rawal scored 100 not out off 96 deliveries as India secured a comprehensive nine-wicket victory in the opening match of the three-match series. Reflecting on her performance, the batter described it as one of those days when everything came together, with her preparation helping her maintain control and play with confidence throughout the innings. Rawal said feeling comfortable with her strokes helped her avoid putting unnecessary pressure on herself during the chase. Her approach centred on trusting her preparation, assessing scoring opportunities and remaining composed at the crease. Instead of forcing the pace, she concentrated on playing according to the situation and capitalising when opportunities arose.
That balance allowed her to maintain a steady scoring rate while keeping India on course for a comfortable victory. Her unbeaten hundred also ensured that she remained at the crease until the target was achieved, completing a significant individual milestone in the process. The innings began with Rawal opening alongside Smriti Mandhana, with the pair laying the foundation for India’s successful pursuit. Their opening stand helped the team settle into the chase and put pressure on Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. Rawal maintained her rhythm as the innings progressed, combining consistency with confidence in her shot selection. After Mandhana’s contribution at the top, Rawal continued the chase alongside Shafali Verma. The partnership helped India finish the contest without requiring significant contributions from the middle order, as the hosts secured victory by nine wickets.
Rawal’s century came off 96 balls, highlighting her ability to build an innings without losing control of the scoring rate. For an opener, an unbeaten hundred during a successful chase reflects not only the capacity to score runs but also the ability to manage an innings through different phases. Remaining at the crease until the finish gave India stability and removed the need for a late acceleration from another batter. Her performance also demonstrated the value of maintaining composure while pursuing a target, particularly when the team has an opportunity to establish control early in the innings. The opener’s remarks placed particular emphasis on preparation as a foundation for confidence. In cricket, preparation includes developing an understanding of one’s batting strengths, working on technique and entering a match with a clear approach.
Confidence can then help a batter make decisions without becoming distracted by pressure or the significance of a particular milestone. Rawal’s explanation suggested that she was able to trust her game and respond naturally to the conditions during the innings. Although individual performances can vary from match to match, her century provided a positive example of preparation translating into a substantial contribution. India’s nine-wicket victory gave the team a strong start to the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. A convincing result in the opening game can provide momentum, while a successful chase also offers an opportunity for batters to develop rhythm and confidence. Rawal’s performance was central to the result, as she remained unbeaten and guided the innings through to its conclusion. The contribution from the opening partnership further strengthened India’s position, allowing the team to complete the pursuit with limited disruption.
The result left India with a winning start as the teams prepared for the remaining matches. For Rawal, the hundred was both a personal achievement and an important contribution to India’s series campaign. Her ability to combine patience with assured stroke play helped the team avoid unnecessary pressure during the chase. Her comments after the match reflected a focus on the process rather than simply the final score, with preparation and confidence identified as key factors behind the performance. India will look to carry the momentum from the opening victory into the next match, while Zimbabwe will aim to respond after the heavy defeat. Rawal’s unbeaten 100 off 96 balls remained the standout performance of the series opener, as India completed a nine-wicket win at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi.