India began their women’s T20I series against Zimbabwe with a four-wicket victory in Raipur on October 16, recovering from a difficult start to chase down a target of 115.
Zimbabwe finished their innings at 114 for five after being put in to bat at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Sharn Myers scored an unbeaten 43, while Kelis Ndhlovu contributed 42. India’s bowlers kept the scoring in check, with Nandni Sharma taking two wickets.
India’s chase quickly came under pressure. Nyasha Gwanzura’s bowling helped Zimbabwe reduce the hosts to 19 for four, leaving the middle order with a substantial task.
Deepti Sharma steadied the innings with 49 off 37 balls. She then partnered debutant Niki Prasad, who remained unbeaten on 39 from 35 deliveries. Their 82-run stand shifted the momentum towards India and brought the target within reach.
Deepti fell before the finish, but Niki continued to hold her nerve as India reached 115 for six in 19.4 overs. The result gave India a winning start under captain Smriti Mandhana, who was leading the side in the opening match of the series.
The fixture also marked Niki’s international T20 debut. Her composed innings proved decisive after India’s top order struggled against Zimbabwe’s attack.
Both teams wore black armbands in tribute to former Zimbabwe cricketer and international umpire Sarah Dambanevana, who died earlier in the week.
The three-match T20I series continues in Raipur, with India looking to build on their opening win before the teams move on to the one-day international leg of the tour.
