India vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I: Niki Prasad makes debut as Smriti Mandhana elects to bowl
- 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.
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38 Articles
'We Didn't Play The Way We Wanted': Smriti Mandhana After India Survive Zimbabwe Scare
India captain Smriti Mandhana admitted her side did not play the way it wanted in the first T20I against Zimbabwe, but was happy to begin her full-time captaincy with a four-wicket victory in Raipur on Friday.
India Women beat Zimbabwe by 4 wickets in 1st T20I after Deepti-Prasad rescue act - The Tribune
India Women began their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe on a winning note, registering a four-wicket victory in the opening match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Friday.
Times of India
PressNewsAgencyDeepti Sharma, debutant Niki Prasad rescue India after top-order collapse against Zimbabwe
India had to work harder than expected while chasing a target of 115, but recovered from losing four wickets for just 19 runs to reach the target with 4.2 overs to spare.
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
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