India Women began their T20I series against Zimbabwe Women with a four-wicket victory in the opening match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on October 16, 2026.
Chasing a target of 115, India reached 116 for six in 15.4 overs, finishing with 26 balls to spare. Deepti Sharma top-scored with 49 off 37 deliveries, while Niki Prasad remained unbeaten on 39 from 35 balls to help India complete the chase after a few wickets fell during the innings.
Zimbabwe had earlier posted 114 for five in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Sharne Mayers and Kelis Ndlovu made valuable contributions, but India’s bowlers kept the scoring under control before their batters completed the job.
Zimbabwe Women Post 114 for 5
Zimbabwe made 114 for five in 20 overs, with Sharne Mayers leading the scoring with an unbeaten 43 off 33 balls. Kelis Ndlovu added 42 from 44 deliveries, providing support at the other end.
The pair helped Zimbabwe build a competitive platform, although the innings lacked a late acceleration that could have pushed the total higher.
India’s Nandani Sharma returned figures of two for 11 in four overs, applying pressure through an economical spell. Her figures helped restrict Zimbabwe to a target India could pursue without requiring an exceptional run rate.
Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad Guide India Home
India’s chase was not entirely straightforward, with wickets falling along the way. Deepti Sharma played a crucial role, scoring 49 from 37 balls before being dismissed by Olinder Chare off the bowling of Sharne Mayers.
Niki Prasad held her nerve at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 39 from 35 deliveries. Her innings included six fours and provided the stability India needed during the middle overs.
Richa Ghosh contributed seven from five balls, while Harmanpreet Kaur managed one. Arundhati Reddy remained unbeaten on two as India crossed the finish line at 116 for six in 15.4 overs.
Zimbabwe’s Nyasha Gwanzura took three wickets for 18 runs in three overs, giving the visitors some resistance during the chase. However, India’s batting depth proved decisive.
India Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I: Match Summary
Result: India Women won by four wickets
Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Date: October 16, 2026
Zimbabwe Women: 114/5 in 20 overs
India Women: 116/6 in 15.4 overs
Player of the Match: Verify from the official scorecard before publication.
Zimbabwe Women Innings — 114/5 (20 Overs)
Sharne Mayers — 43* (33)
Kelis Ndlovu — 42 (44)
Nandani Sharma — 2/11 (4 overs)
India Women Innings — 116/6 (15.4 Overs)
Deepti Sharma — 49 (37)
Niki Prasad — 39* (35)
Richa Ghosh — 7 (5)
Nyasha Gwanzura — 3/18 (3 overs)
What the Result Means
The victory gives India an early lead in the three-match T20I series and a positive start under Smriti Mandhana’s full-time captaincy.
Zimbabwe showed some resistance with the bat and made India work during the chase, but the visitors could not defend their total. India will look to carry this momentum into the second T20I, while Zimbabwe will aim to improve their batting output and build greater pressure with the ball.
The second T20I is scheduled for October 18 in Raipur, followed by the third match on October 20 at the same venue.
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