India Women began their home season with a four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Women in the first T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. After restricting the visitors to 114/5, India endured an unexpected collapse in the run chase, losing four wickets for just 19 runs.

Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad produced crucial knocks to help the hosts cross the finish line with 26 balls remaining. The match also marked Smriti Mandhana’s first outing as India’s full-time captain. While the new skipper fell cheaply, Deepti and Prasad ensured that India avoided an embarrassing start to the series.

Nyasha Gwanzura’s three wickets put India under pressure

After being asked to bat first, Zimbabwe lost Beloved Biza in the opening over to Kranti Gaud. Kelis Ndhlovu then steadied the innings, adding 53 runs with wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa. Ndhlovu scored 42 before Arundhati Reddy dismissed her, while Mupachikwa fell to N Shree Charani. Sharne Mayers provided late momentum with an unbeaten 43 off 29 balls, helping Zimbabwe reach 114/5.

Nandani Sharma picked up two wickets for 11 runs, while Charani finished with figures of 1/14. India began the chase aggressively but soon lost control. Off-spinner Nyasha Gwanzura dismissed Mandhana, Anushka Sharma and Shafali Verma, while Michelle Mavunga removed Harmanpreet Kaur. India slumped to 19/4 inside the first four overs, leaving the hosts in trouble.

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Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad rescue India

Deepti and debutant Prasad rebuilt the innings with a crucial partnership. While Deepti attacked the Zimbabwe bowlers, Prasad rotated the strike and found boundaries to keep the chase on track. Deepti struck three fours off Mavunga before falling for 49 after top-edging a sweep to short fine leg. Richa Ghosh also departed after hitting a six, but Prasad held her ground to guide India home.

Prasad remained unbeaten on 39, showcasing composure on her T20I debut. India reached 116/6 in 15.4 overs to seal a four-wicket victory with 26 balls to spare. Gwanzura finished with 3/18 for Zimbabwe, but her early breakthroughs couldn’t stop India from securing the opening win. Deepti’s innings and Prasad’s unbeaten knock proved decisive in the hosts’ successful start to the series.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.