India vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I: Niki Prasad Makes Debut as Smriti Mandhana Elects to Bowl
Smriti Mandhana’s side begins a three-match series with three pacers and two spinners after winning the toss and choosing to field.
- On Friday, October 16, 2026, India Women began their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe Women at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, with captain Smriti Mandhana winning the toss and opting to field.
- This series opener marks the first-ever T20I meeting between the two nations, with Mandhana taking charge as full-time captain and Shafali Verma appointed as her deputy leading the squad.
- Before the match, both teams observed a minute's silence honoring Zimbabwean umpire Sarah Dambanevana, who passed away recently at age 36; India handed a T20I debut to Niki Prasad, who previously triumphed in New Chandigarh.
- Kelis Ndhlovu's aggressive approach challenged India's bowling attack early, hitting consecutive boundaries against Kranti Gaud, while the visitors cautiously navigated the opening overs to build a competitive total.
- Following this opener, the teams remain in Raipur for the second and third T20I matches on October 18 and October 20, before the tour shifts to the BCA Stadium in Vadodara for an ODI series beginning October 23.
11 Articles
11 Articles
India Women Vs Zimbabwe Women Live Score, 1st T20I: Kelis Ndhlovu Goes On The Attack, Punishes Kranti Gaud For Two Fours
India Women Vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I LIVE Score: Follow IND-W vs ZIM-W 1st T20I live score, match updates, playing XIs, toss details and commentary as Smriti Mandhana leads India against Zimbabwe in Raipur
U19 World Cup hero Niki Prasad makes India debut, receives cap from Smriti Mandhana
Niki Prasad received her maiden India cap from Smriti Mandhana before the first T20I against Zimbabwe. The debut marks her progression from an Under-19 title-winning captain to senior international cricket.
Who is Niki Prasad? Know All About 20-Year-Old Batter Making India Debut in IND-W vs ZIM-W 1st T20I 2026 | 🏏 LatestLY
Discover all about Niki Prasad, the 20-year-old sensation making her India Women's T20I debut today, October 16, 2026, against Zimbabwe Women in Raipur. This historic first T20I also marks Smriti Mandhana's inaugural match as full-time captain, leading India in a crucial series. 🏏 Who is Niki Prasad? Know All About 20-Year-Old Batter Making India Debut in IND-W vs ZIM-W 1st T20I 2026.
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