Internet, 17: Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma rescued India after a dramatic batting collapse against Zimbabwe in the first Women’s T20I in Raipur on Friday.
India defeated Zimbabwe by four wickets on October 16, chasing 115 with 26 balls to spare. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Niki remained unbeaten on 39, while Deepti scored 49.
Zimbabwe had restricted India to 19 for four within the first 19 deliveries. However, Niki and Deepti rebuilt the innings with an 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad Rescue India
India won the toss in Smriti Mandhana’s first match as full-time T20I captain. Mandhana elected to field, and India restricted Zimbabwe to 114 for five in 20 overs.
Kelis Ndhlovu anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with 42 off 44 balls. Sharne Mayers provided a late boost, remaining unbeaten on 43 off 33 deliveries.
India’s bowlers kept the scoring under control. Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets for 11 runs, while Sree Charani took one wicket for 14 runs.
During the chase, Zimbabwe’s bowlers quickly dismantled India’s top order. Nyasha Gwanzura dismissed Mandhana, Anushka Sharma and Shafali Verma, finishing with three wickets for 18 runs. Michelle Mavunga removed Harmanpreet Kaur.
India were struggling at 19 for four when Niki joined Deepti at the crease. The pair steadied the innings and gradually shifted the pressure back onto Zimbabwe.
Deepti struck eight boundaries during her 49 off 37 balls. She fell just short of a half-century, but their partnership brought India close to victory.
Richa Ghosh also departed late in the chase. However, Niki held her nerve and finished unbeaten on 39 off 35 balls, sealing the win with a boundary in the 16th over. Deepti was named Player of the Match.
Niki previously captained India to the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2025. Her senior international debut now adds another milestone to her career.
India and Zimbabwe will meet again in the second T20I in Raipur on Sunday, October 18. The third T20I is scheduled for October 20 at the same venue. The teams will then move to Vadodara for the ODI series.
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