India began their home season with a four-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the first women’s T20I in Raipur. It was Smriti Mandhana’s first match as full-time captain, and although India faced a tough situation during the run chase, Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma helped the team secure victory. Zimbabwe scored 114 runs for five wickets after batting first. In reply, India chased down the target in 15.4 overs, with 26 balls remaining.
India started their chase positively, scoring 14 runs in the first over. However, Zimbabwe’s offspinner Nyasha Gwanzura changed the game with her excellent bowling. Gwanzura dismissed Smriti Mandhana, Anushka Sharma and Shafali Verma. Harmanpreet Kaur was also dismissed early, leaving India struggling at 19 for four. Zimbabwe suddenly had a chance to put pressure on the Indian team. However, Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma stepped up at the right time.
Making her T20I debut, Niki Prasad played an important innings under pressure. She remained calm at the crease, rotated the strike and hit boundaries whenever she got the opportunity. Deepti Sharma supported her well and played attacking cricket to bring India back into the match. The pair built an important partnership that helped India recover from their early collapse. Deepti scored valuable runs before getting dismissed while attempting a sweep shot. India also lost Richa Ghosh soon after, but Prasad stayed at the crease and guided the team towards victory.
Earlier, Zimbabwe struggled to build a big total against India’s bowling attack. Kranti Gaud gave India an early breakthrough by dismissing Beloved Biza in the first over. However, Kelis Ndhlovu played an important innings and scored 42 runs to keep Zimbabwe moving. Ndhlovu and wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa added 53 runs together. After Mupachikwa’s dismissal, Sharne Mayers played aggressively and helped Zimbabwe cross the 100-run mark.
Although India faced unexpected pressure during the chase, Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma helped the team recover and finish the match comfortably. The victory gave Smriti Mandhana a winning start as India’s full-time captain. Prasad’s impressive debut was another major positive for the team. India will look to continue this winning momentum in the remaining matches of the T20I series against Zimbabwe.