India Women are set to host Zimbabwe Women in a historic bilateral series featuring three T20 internationals and three one-day internationals, beginning on October 16. The tour marks the first bilateral international meeting between the two sides and gives India an opportunity to assess their combinations under new all-format captain Smriti Mandhana.
The opening T20I will be played in Raipur, with the remaining two matches scheduled for October 18 and 20 at the same venue. The teams will then travel to Vadodara for the three-match ODI series, which begins on October 23 and forms part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025–29.
Smriti Mandhana Takes Charge of India Women
Mandhana's appointment as India's captain marks a new chapter for the national side following Harmanpreet Kaur's decision to step down from the role. The experienced opening batter will lead the team across both formats, with Shafali Verma named T20I vice-captain and Deepti Sharma appointed ODI vice-captain.
India have selected a mix of experienced internationals and younger players for the series. Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma provide international experience, while Niki Prasad, Anushka Sharma and other younger squad members have an opportunity to strengthen their positions.
The T20I matches will also give the management a chance to examine batting combinations and bowling options ahead of future international assignments.
Zimbabwe Women Look to Build on Recent Success
Zimbabwe arrive in India after a significant result against West Indies, having secured their first-ever ICC Women's Championship victory with a four-wicket win in Harare on September 27.
Josephine Nkomo will captain the touring side, which has retained the 15-member group responsible for that historic result. Nyasha Gwanzura, who claimed career-best figures of 4 for 33 against West Indies, is among the players expected to feature prominently during the tour.
The series presents Zimbabwe with a challenging opportunity to test themselves against one of the leading sides in women's international cricket. The ODI leg will be particularly important, as the matches contribute to the ICC Women's Championship standings.
India Women vs Zimbabwe Women: Full Schedule
Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
1st T20I | October 16, 2026 | Raipur | 7:00 PM |
2nd T20I | October 18, 2026 | Raipur | 7:00 PM |
3rd T20I | October 20, 2026 | Raipur | 7:00 PM |
1st ODI | October 23, 2026 | Vadodara | 2:00 PM |
2nd ODI | October 25, 2026 | Vadodara | 2:00 PM |
3rd ODI | October 28, 2026 | Vadodara | 2:00 PM |
India Women T20I Squad
Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma (vice-captain), Niki Prasad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Richa Ghosh, G Kamalini, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Sree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Jintimani Kalita and Minnu Mani.
Zimbabwe Women Squad
Josephine Nkomo (captain), Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, Michelle Mavunga, Francisca Chipare, Olinder Chare, Kudzai Chigora, Nyasha Gwanzura, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loryn Phiri, Chiyedza Dhururu, Modester Mupachikwa, Tendai Makusha and Sharne Mayers.
What to Expect From the Series
India will enter the contest with home advantage and a squad featuring considerable international experience. For Mandhana, the series is an early opportunity to establish her leadership approach and give the team clarity ahead of upcoming tournaments.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will look to carry the confidence gained from their recent victory over West Indies into unfamiliar conditions. Competitive performances in the T20Is could provide momentum before the more demanding ODI leg.
With six matches scheduled across two formats, the tour offers both teams an opportunity to test their depth, evaluate emerging players and build towards their respective international objectives.
