Debutant Niki scores unbeaten 39 as India take 1-0 lead in three-match women’s T20I series
Raipur, Oct 2026 : Debutant Niki Prasad displayed remarkable composure under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 39 as India recovered from a dramatic top-order collapse to defeat Zimbabwe by four wickets in the opening women’s T20 International at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
Chasing a modest target of 115, India reached 116 for six in 15.4 overs, finishing with 26 balls to spare. However, the comfortable margin in terms of overs remaining concealed an alarming start for the hosts in Smriti Mandhana’s first match as full-time captain.
India slumped to 19 for four inside the first four overs before Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad revived the innings with a crucial 82-run partnership off 63 balls for the fifth wicket. Their composed yet attacking approach rescued India from a potential upset and secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Mandhana began the chase positively, striking two boundaries in the opening over. However, Zimbabwe’s Nyasha Gwanzura changed the complexion of the contest by dismissing the Indian captain with her first delivery. Mandhana attempted a lap shot but edged a leading edge, and Anushka Sharma was caught at point three balls later.
Zimbabwe continued to pile on the pressure as Michelle Mavunga dismissed Harmanpreet Kaur, who was caught after attempting a tame flick during a wicket-maiden over. Shafali Verma then fell in the fourth over, with Nyasha taking a sharp return catch to leave India reeling at 19 for four.
The collapse marked the first time India had lost their opening four wickets inside four overs in a women’s T20I. Zimbabwe, who had lost all 18 of their T20Is in 2026 before this match, sensed an opportunity to register a remarkable victory.
However, Deepti and Niki refused to panic. The experienced Deepti counter-attacked by stepping down the track and lofting Nyasha for two boundaries in the sixth over. At the other end, Niki showed impressive maturity in her first international innings, rotating the strike and finding gaps to keep the chase on course.
The partnership gathered momentum as India attacked the Zimbabwean bowlers during the middle overs. The duo collected 15 runs off Olinder Chare in the 10th over, before punishing Michelle with three boundaries in a 14-run 12th over. The growing partnership shifted the pressure back onto Zimbabwe and brought India within reach of victory.
Deepti narrowly missed a half-century, falling for 49 when she swept Chare to short fine leg. Richa Ghosh struck a six but was dismissed by Beloved Biza. Niki, however, remained unbeaten and finished the contest in style, driving Tendai Makusha through the field for four to seal the win.
Earlier, Zimbabwe finished their innings at 114 for five after recovering from a promising start. Kelis Ndhlovu scored a fluent 42, helping Zimbabwe reach 60 for one at the halfway stage. India’s fielding lapses, including overthrows and missed run-out opportunities, allowed the visitors to build momentum.
India’s bowlers tightened their grip during the middle overs. Sree Charani delivered an economical spell of one for 14 from four overs, restricting Zimbabwe’s scoring opportunities. Nandani Sharma produced an impressive finish, dismissing Nyasha and Michelle stumped off successive deliveries in the final over to return figures of two for 11.
Sharne Mayers provided the late impetus Zimbabwe needed, remaining unbeaten on 43 to lift the visitors to 114 for five. However, Zimbabwe may regret failing to add another 20 to 25 runs, particularly after exposing vulnerabilities in India’s top order.
Despite their batting collapse, India’s recovery demonstrated the value of composure and partnership-building under pressure. Niki’s assured debut and Deepti’s attacking innings ensured the hosts began the series with a victory, although India will look to address their top-order and fielding concerns before the next match.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe: 114/5 in 20 overs (Sharne Mayers 43 not out, Kelis Ndhlovu 42; Nandani Sharma 2/11, Sree Charani 1/14).
India: 116/6 in 15.4 overs (Deepti Sharma 49, Niki Prasad 39 not out; Nyasha Gwanzura 3/18, Michelle Mavunga 1/19).
Result: India won by four wickets and lead the three-match series 1-0.
