India overcame a dramatic top-order collapse to secure a four-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Raipur on Friday. Despite being reduced to 19 for 4 within the powerplay, the hosts successfully chased down a target of 115 with 4.2 overs to spare, led by a composed recovery from
The match marked Smriti Mandhana’s first outing as India’s full-time T20I captain, but the start was far from ideal. Mandhana fell for just one run in the second over, sparking a rapid succession of dismissals that left the Indian batting lineup in disarray. Nyasha Gwanzura proved particularly effective with her offspin, claiming the wickets of Mandhana, Anushka Sharma, and Shafali Verma, while Michelle Mavunga accounted for Harmanpreet Kaur. By the fourth over, India found themselves in a precarious position at 19 for 4, handing Zimbabwe a rare opportunity to challenge the hosts.
Partnership rescues India from early trouble
Facing a potential upset, Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad steadied the innings with a crucial 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Deepti anchored the recovery with a fluent 49 off 37 balls, while debutant Niki displayed remarkable composure under pressure, contributing 39 off 35 deliveries. The pair successfully navigated the middle overs, shifting the momentum back in India’s favour before Niki struck the winning boundary to seal the result.
Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe posted a total of 114 for 5 after being sent in to bat. Kelis Ndhlovu provided the backbone for the visitors with a score of 42, while Sharne Mayers remained unbeaten on 43 to help push the total past the 100-run mark. India’s bowling attack remained disciplined throughout the innings, particularly in the middle stages. World No. 1 N Shree Charani returned economical figures of 1 for 14, and Nandani Sharma claimed two wickets in the final over to finish with 2 for 11, ensuring the target remained manageable for the Indian batters.
