Smriti Mandhana era begins as India look to fix T20 flaws against Zimbabwe
Smriti Mandhana starts her full-time reign with India aiming to sharpen their T20 game before the Women’s Champions Trophy, officials said.
- On Sunday, India Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by nine wickets in the second T20I at Raipur, securing an unassailable 2-0 series lead. India chased the 103-run target in 8.5 overs.
- Captain Smriti Mandhana, who succeeded Harmanpreet Kaur as full-time leader earlier this month, is guiding India through this transition. The series prepares India for the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy early next year.
- Opener Shafali Verma smashed an explosive 55 off 25 balls, while Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47. Their 96-run stand marked the pair's ninth 50-plus partnership in 2026.
- Niki Prasad's 2/7 performance led India's bowling effort, collectively restricting Zimbabwe to 102/8 after the tourists opted to bat first. This disciplined display ensured India's comfortable chase.
- Players honored former Zimbabwe umpire Sarah Dambanevana, who died at 36, with a minute's silence during the opening match. The series concludes Tuesday before teams shift to Vadodara for three ODIs.
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India and Zimbabwe are taking on the first T20I in Raipur. The match marks the international debut of a 20-year-old Indian player.
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Discover the likely India Women Playing XI for the historic 1st T20I against Zimbabwe Women on October 16, 2026. Get all the crucial details including match start time (7:00 PM IST), venue (Raipur), and where to watch live streaming on JioHotstar. Smriti Mandhana leads India in her first full-time captaincy assignment in this inaugural bilateral T20I series. 🏏 India Women Likely Playing XI for 1st T20I 2026 vs Zimbabwe Women: Check Predicted 11.
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