Deepti Sharma, Debutant Niki Prasad Rescue India After Top-Order Collapse Against Zimbabwe

India defeated Zimbabwe by four wickets in the opening women’s T20 International in Raipur on Friday, October 16, after experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad rescued the team from a dramatic batting collapse.

Chasing a target of 115 runs, India suffered an alarming start, losing four wickets for just 19 runs inside the first four overs. Smriti Mandhana, playing her first match as India’s full-time T20I captain, was dismissed for one. Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma also fell cheaply, putting the hosts under considerable pressure.

Zimbabwe’s Nyasha Gwanzura was instrumental in the collapse, claiming three wickets, while Michelle Mavunga dismissed Harmanpreet. With India struggling early in the chase, Zimbabwe appeared capable of producing a major upset.

However, Deepti and Niki steadied the innings with a crucial fifth-wicket partnership worth 82 runs off 63 deliveries. Deepti played an attacking innings, scoring 49 off 37 balls, narrowly missing a half-century. Niki, making her international debut, displayed composure beyond her experience, contributing an unbeaten 39 off 35 deliveries.

Their partnership shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour. Although Deepti departed before reaching 50 and Richa Ghosh subsequently lost her wicket, Niki remained at the crease to guide India across the finish line. She sealed the victory with a boundary as India reached 116 for six in 15.4 overs, with 26 balls remaining.

Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 114 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Kelis Ndhlovu scored 42, while Sharne Mayers remained unbeaten on 43. India’s Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets for 11 runs, while Shree Charani returned figures of one for 14.

The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and marked a successful beginning to Mandhana’s full-time captaincy tenure. Deepti’s performance earned her the Player of the Match award.