Published:
- Zimbabwe Women posted 114 for 5 in 20 overs, with Kelis Ndhlovu scoring 42 and Sharne Mayers remaining unbeaten on 43.
- India slumped to 19 for 4 in the chase as Nyasha Gwanzura took three wickets.
- Deepti Sharma scored 49 off 37 balls and shared an 82-run stand with debutant Niki Prasad.
- Niki Prasad finished unbeaten on 39 as India reached 116 for 6 in 15.4 overs, winning by four wickets.
- India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series; Deepti was named Player of the Match.
- Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad steadied India after an early batting collapse to secure a four-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the first women’s T20I in Raipur on October 16. Chasing 115, India slipped to 19 for 4 before Deepti’s 49 and Niki’s unbeaten 39 guided the hosts to 116 for 6 in 15.4 overs.
After India captain Smriti Mandhana elected to bowl, Zimbabwe finished their 20 overs on 114 for 5. Kelis Ndhlovu top-scored with 42 from 44 balls, while Sharne Mayers provided late momentum with an unbeaten 43 off 33 deliveries. India’s Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets.
India’s chase was rocked by early dismissals, with Nyasha Gwanzura taking three wickets as the top order fell away. At 19 for 4, the hosts were under pressure in Mandhana’s first assignment as full-time T20I captain.
Deepti Sharma responded with a composed 49 from 37 balls. She combined with Niki Prasad, making her international debut, in an 82-run partnership that brought India back into the contest. Niki stayed unbeaten on 39 and hit the winning boundary as India completed the chase with 26 balls remaining.
Deepti was named Player of the Match. The result gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second T20I scheduled for October 18 in Raipur.
