India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20I highlights: Check the full match result, scorecard, key performances, and major moments from the 2026 T20I opener in Raipur.
Match Preview India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
It wasn’t an effortless pursuit, yet India succeeded in crossing the finish line with several overs to spare. During the second innings, India faced genuine danger, as the duo of Nyasha Gwanzura and Michelle Mavunga struck the ball powerfully, momentarily suggesting that the Zimbabweans might create an upset.
Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t to be! Smriti Mandhana’s leadership kicks off with a victorious start, but India recognizes there are facets to improve upon as they gear up for the Champions Trophy. Notably, Zimbabwe has made it clear that they should not be taken lightly, India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, and India must remain alert as they move into the remaining fixtures. We’ll reconvene on Sunday for the second T20I. Until then, good night and farewell from everyone at Cricbuzz. Stay safe, and see you soon!
Deepti Sharma | Player of the Match: How satisfied are you? I’m truly pleased with this scenario because it’s one I’m accustomed to. I’m glad I had the chance to bat early during the powerplay. I had a feeling I needed to guide the team to victory, and I was doing that alongside Niki. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, I had a clear strategy to play some shots early when the opportunity arose.
Zimbabwe Ist Inning
I based my approach on that, and my mindset is quite simple: I have to remain in my comfort zone. I believe this has significantly aided in my growth as a player. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, When chasing in WPL, being proactive really helped me assess the conditions well. But when you’re mentally ready, you adapt (to the circumstances), and that’s my approach.
India W 2nd Inning
When facing an opponent for the first time, how do you prepare, compete, and learn during the match? Smriti Mandhana (2/2): Kudos to Zimbabwe; India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, their batters executed some excellent shots. However, I think our late-game adjustments with slower variations worked effectively.
We had prepared strategically against them, but while watching them on video is one thing, experiencing their gameplay firsthand is another. Batting alongside someone as seasoned as Deepti Sharma was a privilege. She effectively absorbed the pressure from the bowlers, India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, preventing them from dictating the flow of the game. I felt much more confident watching her bat with such intent, knowing I could play my shots from the other end.
Smriti Mandhana | India captain: (1/2) Congratulations on the victory! It was a nail-biter, how do you reflect on the team’s performance today?] In terms of our process, we may not have executed the exact plan we envisioned as a team, but a win is indeed a win. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, There were several noteworthy aspects to appreciate – Nandani Sharma bowled exceptionally well, Niki Prasad maintained great composure in her debut, and Deepti Sharma has been outstanding for a long time – she’s a genuine legend of the game.
We’re thrilled to secure the win, yet there are certainly numerous lessons and areas for us to enhance as a team. I’ve already addressed those points in the dressing room; I’d like to share one or two! India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, As we continue to find our rhythm, things will start unfolding positively for us. On a brighter note, I appreciated our intensity on the field today, particularly with Smriti and Niki energetically engaging, which was a significant advantage for us.
Josephine Nkomo | Zimbabwe captain: Did you observe the bowling and fielding of the Indian side?] I was very impressed with their bowling and the competitive spirit they displayed, restricting us to 19/4 during the powerplay. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, I’d happily take that every time! We aimed to keep things straightforward, bowled with accuracy, and trusted our (fielding). I believe we need to enhance our dot ball percentage for the next match. We could have managed a few more dot balls; if we convert those into more singles and twos, I think we’ll be just fine.
Niki 2/2: How was the outdoor weather? There was a lot of dew, which made the ball sail off the bat at a greater speed. Concurrently, the pitch began to lose some of its pace and started to become a bit low, but as per usual, India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, Deepti and I adapted to the circumstances. You are going to have a fantastic debut; not only did you achieve victory, but you truly earned it!
What do you consider the highlight of today’s match for you personally? I believe today’s match was exceptional as we were able to persist until the very end, and collaborating with Deepti on that pivotal partnership makes me incredibly pleased. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, This is merely the start, and I aim to keep playing this way and contribute even more to the Indian team in the time to come. Niki Prasad 1/2:
Share with us what your mindset was like when you stepped into this match. You appeared remarkably composed]. I felt well-prepared. The moment I entered, my task was simply to take this game deep and see it through, so that was my primary focus while I was out there. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, You and Deepti Sharma came together at a time when India was struggling at 19 for 4. What was your conversation during that moment?] We were mainly focused on building a partnership as the innings progressed.
15.4
4
It’s Tendai Makusha to Niki Prasad and FOUR! What a delightful conclusion to Niki Prasad’s debut outing, finished off with a stylish drive that glides past mid-off. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, What an impact to make on the international arena! She maintained her composure, accomplished her task, and shone brightly in the process, giving India a 1-0 lead in the series.
15.3
Bowlers present Niki Prasad with a 2-3 as a wide cut offered to Tendai Makusha is taken at point. Niki Prasad notches up 2-3 when the ball is wide, India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, allowing Tendai Makusha to snag it at point.
15.2
Tendai Makusha to Niki Prasad, no run; looks like that’s in the new red line on thelegside. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, Niki Prasad goes for a clip but misses, and the umpire calls it NO BALL.
15.1
Tendai Makusha sends a delivery to Arundhati Reddy at fine leg on a skiddy length; Arundhati Reddy somehowbrings her bat down, India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20, getting an inside edge that trickles to fine leg.
Tendai Makusha [1.0-0-14-0] is back in the game.
Over 15
111-6
1
0
6
0
W
1
(8 runs)
Arundhati Reddy
1 (1)
Niki Prasad
35 (32)
Beloved Biza
4-0-27-1
Over Summary
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14.6
Runners, Biza to Arundhati Reddy, 1 run, bowled at 76.9 kph, a touch quicker – full on the pads. Arundhati Reddy rolls it along the ground to deep square leg. Just 4 runs required now. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20 The right-handed batswoman Arundhati Reddy is showing her skills.
14.5
W
Caught by Nyasha Gwanzura!! A hugely popular moment as Biza delivers to Richa Ghosh, only for her to be caught by Nyasha Gwanzura. The ball goes high into the air at deep mid-wicket! Zimbabwe are fielding excellently tonight. A thick top edge lifts off the stump, floating up to Richa Ghosh, who then badly mishit the slog sweep into the sky. The fielder steps forward, has ample time to settle under it, and makes the catch. Richa Ghosh c Nyasha Gwanzura b Beloved Biza 7(5) [6s-1]
Beloved Biza to Richa Ghosh, THAT’S OUT!! Caught!!
14.4
Beloved Biza to Richa Ghosh, no run, pulls her length back and Richa Ghosh is standing firm in the crease, forced into a pad strike. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20.
14.3
6
My Sweet Biza to Richa Ghosh, SIX, you’ve hit the mark! This is her talent! It leaps off her bat and she extends her front leg to launch it skyward for a magnificent six. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20.
14.2
Richa Ghosh is adored by Biza and no run, with some extra bounce coming off a length around off; Richa Ghosh makes a move for a cut but misses. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20.
14.1
After being bowled by Biza to Niki Prasad, 1 run, she rocks back on this length delivery to nudge it to long on for a single. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20.
Over 14
103-5
0
1
0
W
1
1
(3 runs)
Niki Prasad
34 (31)
Richa Ghosh
1 (1)
Olinder Chare
3-0-23-1
Over Summary
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13.6
There’s width available from Olinder Chare, but Niki Prasad stays deep in the off-spinner’s crease and cuts it past point for a single. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
13.5
Olinder Chare to Richa Ghosh, 1 run tossed up on the stumps, Richa Ghosh drives it to the right of the diving bowler for a single. Richa Ghosh, right-handed bat, steps in. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
13.4
W
Out, caught by Mayers from Olinder Chare to Deepti Sharma. Oh dear, one must feel for her! She was on the verge of a half-century! That was an opportunity to capitalize on. Yet another leg-side delivery, Deepti Sharma drops to one knee and looks to sweep, but it sails past short fine leg.
Looks like it came off the toe end of the bat, leading the fielder to take a catch over her head. However, a disappointing effort under pressure! Coming in with India in a tricky spot, she turned that around with a spectacular showing of poise, skill, and experience. Deepti Sharma, 49(37) [4s-8] from Mayers bowled by Olinder Chare.
“THAT’S OUT!!” Olinder Chare to Deepti Sharma! Caught!!
13.3
Olinder Chare to Deepti Sharma: NR, around the wicket and floated down the leg, Deepti Sharma bends low to sweep it to short fine. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
13.2
The next batter (Olinder Chare, Niki Prasad) steps up and drives the ball to the right side of the field.
13.1
No run; Olinder Chare to Niki Prasad; he’s content to defend.
The attack is back on schedule with Olinder Chare [2.0-0-20-0]
5.1
No run, full and drifting in from around the wicket, Nyasha Gwanzura to Deepti Sharma, who blocks it.
Over 5
27-4
4
0
0
1
0
0
(5 runs)
Niki Prasad
1 (7)
Deepti Sharma
7 (8)
Michelle Mavunga
2-1-5-1
Over Summary
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4.6
Michelle Mavunga to Niki Prasad, no ball, full and tapering in, good slide to nip the ball towards short mid-wicket.
4.5
Mavunga to Prasad, no ball, short outside off, Prasad squares up for a straight hit to the point fielder.
4.4
Delivered by Michelle Mavunga, Deepti Sharma strikes it outside off with a single scored on the same length, Mavunga nudges it into the gap at covers for a quick run.
4.3
Michelle Mavunga to Deepti Sharma, no run, tight line around off-stump, punched off the back foot towards covers.
4.2
Michelle Mavunga to Deepti Sharma, by length and angling across, no run, Deepti then pushes it to covers.
4.1
4
Deepti Sharma to Michelle Mavunga, FOUR, a solid hit, but slightly shorter and lower, Deepti promptly read the length and sent it over the in-field to deep square leg.
Over 4
22-4
W
0
0
1
1
1
(3 runs)
Deepti Sharma
2 (4)
Niki Prasad
1 (5)
Nyasha Gwanzura
2-0-8-3
Over Summary
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3.6
Nyasha Gwanzura to Deepti Sharma for 1, the delivery drifted in and was slightly shorter, to long-on.
3.5
Nyasha Gwanzura to Niki Prasad, 1 run – flatter and a touch shorter, Prasad stays back and drives it to long-on.
3.4
1 run, too full around off; Nyasha Gwanzura to Deepti Sharma, drives it down to long-on.
3.3
No run from Nyasha Gwanzura, forward Sharma fields it.
3.2
Nyasha Gwanzura to Deepti Sharma, no run, full and drifting into the pads, Sharma pushes it towards square leg.
Deepti Sharma (LT) brings the batters to the crease with her left-handed batting.
3.1
W
Caught & Bowled!! Nyasha Gwanzura to Shafali Verma. India is in trouble here as the dangerous Shafali departs. Verma is fired on with a full delivery on off, but the bowler dives smartly to her right and catches well. India finds themselves in a precarious position at 19/4; who could have predicted this? Shafali Verma c and b Nyasha Gwanzura 4(2) [4s-1]
From Nyasha Gwanzura to Shafali Verma, THAT’S OUT!! Caught & Bowled!!
Over 3
19-3
0
W
0
0
0
0
(0 runs)
Niki Prasad
0 (4)
Shafali Verma
4 (1)
Michelle Mavunga
1-1-0-1
Over Summary
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2.6
Michelle Mavunga to Niki Prasad, no connection, and the success of another over concludes. Prasad defends to the offside on a length delivery off off. A wicket-maiden!
2.5
Suddenly, a bit of extra heat rouses on that one; Michelle Mavunga to Niki Prasad, no run, extra bounce on that occasion; this pitch feels alive, this one kicks off the track and zips past the outside edge.
2.4
Michelle Mavunga to Niki Prasad, no run, length ball outside off, shaping away, and pushed to point.
2.3
Michelle Mavunga to Niki Prasad, no ball, full outside off, shaping away a bit. However, Prasad plays and misses as it kept lower than expected.
Niki Prasad, the right-handed batter, comes to the crease.
2.2
W
Caught!! Michelle Mavunga to Harmanpreet Kaur!! What unfolds? India keeps collapsing here. A poor delivery from Kaur, full and on the pads, leads her to flick tamely into Gwanzura’s hands at short mid-wicket. A disheartening soft dismissal and a great start for Zimbabwe. Rahul (1) and Harmanpreet Kaur c Nyasha Gwanzura b Michelle Mavunga 1(4)
Michelle Mavunga to Harmanpreet Kaur: THAT’S OUT!! Caught!!
2.1
Mavunga to Harmanpreet, no run, starts with an exquisite delivery, full on middle and shaping outward slightly; Kaur on the back foot defends it carefully.
Enter medium, right-arm bowler Michelle Mavunga.
Over 2
19-2
W
0
4
W
0
1
(5 runs)
Harmanpreet Kaur
1 (2)
Shafali Verma
4 (1)
Nyasha Gwanzura
1-0-5-2
Over Summary
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1.6
Nyasha Gwanzura to Harmanpreet Kaur (a bit shorter and outside off) Kaur drives off the back foot to point, a single takes place with a fumble, and they secure the run.
1.5
Nyasha Gwanzura to Harmanpreet Kaur, no run, floated up outside off, and Kaur went for the shot but missed it.
The right-handed batter Harmanpreet Kaur joins the game.
Over 13
100-4
1
1
1
1
1
0
(5 runs)
Deepti Sharma
49 (35)
Niki Prasad
32 (28)
Adored Biza
3-0-19-0
Over Summary
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12.6
Adored Biza to Deepti Sharma, no run; she misses out on her fifty in this over as she deflects this straight delivery back to the bowler.
12.5
Niki Prasad guides a full toss to deep mid-wicket, as Adored Biza is served up down the wicket.
12.4
Adored Biza to Deepti Sharma is 1 run, showcasing the full bat face before it is gently eased to long-on, bringing her to 49.
12.3
Adored Biza to Niki Prasad, 1 run, bat opened wide, and this length delivery was directed to the left of backward point off the batter’s left side.
12.2
A solid hit from Biza to Deepti Sharma, 1 run; it has a slight loop as Deepti Sharma brings her bat down and thumps it towards deep square leg. Niki was keen for another strike, but Deepti Sharma takes her back home!
12.1
Adored Biza to Niki Prasad, 1 run, tossed up in the middle as Niki Prasad kneels down, sweeping it to deep square leg.
Over 12
95-4
4
1
1
4
0
4
(14 runs)
Deepti Sharma
47 (32)
Niki Prasad
29 (25)
Michelle Mavunga
3-1-19-1
Over Summary
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11.6
4
Michelle Mavunga to Deepti Sharma, FOUR, notch to 47 once more with an elegant stroke! A broad width is presented, and Deepti Sharma slices it away for a boundary.
11.5
If the batsman fails to strike the ball, you can seize the moment and attempt a shot. If the batsman doesn’t make contact, you can seize the moment and attempt a shot. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
11.4
4
Deepti Sharma is in a jubilant mood tonight, taking on Michelle Mavunga for FOUR! She digs in deep and slog sweeps this fuller delivery into the open deep mid-wicket area for another boundary.
11.3
Michelle Mavunga to Niki Prasad, 1 run, at 102.2kph, short and wide, Niki Prasad nails it straight to the deep cover fielder for one run. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20.
11.2
It’s again leg-lined from Michelle Mavunga to Deepti Sharma, who flicks it to deep square leg, managing just a single this time. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20.
11.1
4
Michelle Mavunga to Deepti Sharma, FOUR, oh no, can’t deliver that line with nobody at deep mid-wicket! Fullish on the boundary as Deepti Sharma shifts position and lashes it for a boundary.
Michelle Mavunga, previously dropped from the team last season, has re-entered the fray [2.0-1-5-1].
Over 11
81-4
0
1
4
0
1
1
(7 runs)
Deepti Sharma
34 (27)
Niki Prasad
28 (24)
Adored Biza
2-0-14-0
Over Summary
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10.6
Deepti Sharma happily nudges it to long-on; it’s very full from the spinner – Biza to Deepti Sharma, 1 run, 75.2kph
10.5
Lovingly Biza to Niki Prasad, who steers it to long-off on the ground for one.
10.4
Niki Prasad drives it back to the bowler, looking for a bit more bounce and length. Adored Biza to Niki Prasad, no run.
10.3
4
Adored Biza to Niki Prasad, slower and shorter outside off, Niki Prasad stays back and cuts it, getting a thick edge to sneak past the keeper to her right for a boundary. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20.
10.2
Venerable Biza to Deepti Sharma, 1 run, floated around off at 76.9 kph; Deepti Sharma extends her arm to time it to deep cover for a single.
10.1
Adored Biza to Deepti Sharma, no run but too full on the stumps; Deepti Sharma sends it away to the fielder at mid-wicket. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20. With this partnership intact, they should surely get back on track with a refreshment break on the field now!
Over 10
74-4
1
4
1
4
4
1
(15 runs)
Deepti Sharma
32 (24)
Niki Prasad
23 (21)
Olinder Chare
2-0-20-0
Over Summary India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
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9.6
The ball lands, bounces straight to long-on and is hit back to Olinder Chare, who collapses for a run, then to Deepti Sharma, who again collapses for the score. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
9.5
4
Time spent on the back foot, Olinder Chare saves it this time with a drag to short leg, and Sharma stays back to punch it perfectly wide long-off. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
9.4
4
The partnership between Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad has reached 50, as Deepti receives another delectable full-toss from Olinder Chare, making it simple for her to capitalize. She kneels and sweeps it towards deep square leg, FOUR, a delightful full-toss on offer.
9.3
On off, Olinder Chare to Niki Prasad, 1 run; she steps forward and drives to the sweeper for a single.
9.2
4
Prasad was positioned a tad back and merely needed to make slight contact with the bat; had she missed the delivery in the wicketkeeper’s hands, it would have been pitched on the pads – and that’s precisely what unfolded in this instance, as Olinder Chare to Niki Prasad, FOUR, missed the catch and it soared towards the fine leg boundary.
9.1
All three bowlers operated effectively, with Olinder Chare to Deepti Sharma, 1 run, well aimed, middle; Sharma miscalculated a loft towards long-on. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
Over 9
59-4
1
0
4
0
1
1
(7 runs)
Deepti Sharma
22 (20)
Niki Prasad
18 (19)
Beloved Biza
1-0-7-0
Over Summary
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8.6
Beloved Biza to Deepti Sharma, 1 run, straight from middle and leg, Sharma eases it down to long-on.
8.5
Prasad is favored by Biza as she faces Niki Prasad, 1 run, airborne, but it lands in no man’s land, well tossed up on off, Prasad opts for the sweep and edges it toward short third, just beyond the keeper’s reach.
8.4
This is Biza to Niki Prasad. No Run as she comes onto the track; sends the complete delivery back to the bowler. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
8.3
4
Prasad makes a fine start for Beloved Biza; nothing amiss with the delivery, pitched outside off, at a length, early, to the deep point area.
8.2
Beloved Biza to Niki Prasad, no run, full on middle and leg, cramped for space, Prasad goes back and defends it. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
8.1
Beloved Biza to Deepti Sharma, a run is tossed up on off, and Deepti advances and strikes it towards sweeper cover.
Beloved Biza steps into the fray.
Over 8
52-4
1
1
0
1
1
1
(5 runs)
Deepti Sharma
20 (18)
Niki Prasad
13 (15)
Olinder Chare
1-0-5-0
Over Summary
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7.6
This one is played low, nudged by Deepti Sharma to Olinder Chare, who concedes a run.
7.5
Driving from the rear, Olinder Chare to Niki Prasad, 1 run, low full-toss; Prasad guides it past the fielder to wide long-off.
7.4
A drive hit to long-on, nicely tossed by Olinder Chare; Deepti gets across to intercept the drive.
7.3
This one sailed just over Deepti Sharma’s head, and she managed to field it on her side of the wicket; to be fair, it was a lovely shot to play in the air to the bowler’s right.
7.2
Prasad then delivers a drive to Niki Prasad (Olinder Chare to short mid-wicket) hitting the pad to divert it into the stumps. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
7.1
One run comes from Olinder Chare to Deepti Sharma, a shortish delivery to long-on, which was punched down the ground. Leg break enters the attack, right-arm Olinder Chare. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
Over 7
47-4
4
0
4
0
1
1
(10 runs)
Deepti Sharma
17 (14)
Niki Prasad
11 (13)
Francisca Chipare
1-0-10-0
Over Summary
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6.6
Chipare, pitching outside off, beats Deepti to the post, and she places the ball in front of the stumps in front of cover (full and wide outside off). India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
6.5
First time from Francisca Chipare, at a length and outside, Prasad subtly takes the ball to long-on.
6.4
Francisca Chipare to Niki Prasad, no run, short mid-wicket providing Prasad a task.
6.3
4
Excellent timing and placement: Francisca Chipare to Niki Prasad, FOUR with the length ball directed at her. Niki advanced down the track and timed it immaculately, with the placement being spot on, far from the fielder. Shot of the day! This signifies India’s inaugural T20I (with available data) where they lost four wickets in the first four overs.
6.2
Bornesh to Niki Prasad, no run, full and just outside off, Prasad sends it to point. India W vs Zimbabwe W 1st T20
6.1
4
She’s in the gap, slightly shorter on middle, Prasad stayed back, identified the length early, and pulled it into the gap at deep mid-wicket, FOUR. Right-arm medium, Francisca Chipare, makes her entrance.