Smriti Mandhana era begins as India look to fix T20 flaws against Zimbabwe
Mandhana targets a 10 percent improvement in team performance during her first series as full-time captain to prepare for the Women’s Champions Trophy, the cricketer said.
- On Friday, India captain Smriti Mandhana began her tenure as full-time skipper, leading the side to a nervy four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I at Raipur.
- Mandhana succeeded Kaur as full-time captain earlier this month following a BCCI review, tasked with refining team standards ahead of the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy next year.
- India collapsed to 19/4 during the chase of 115, but Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad saved the innings with an 82-run partnership, guiding the hosts to victory.
- Defeating Zimbabwe on Sunday, India secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead as Shafali Verma smashed 55 off 25 balls and Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47.
- Following the T20I series, the teams will play a three-match ODI series in Vadodara starting October 23, while Mandhana pursues 133 runs to reach 5,000 T20I runs.
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