The India Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I 2026 delivered an exciting contest at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on October 16, 2026. India Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by four wickets to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
Zimbabwe challenged India’s batting lineup with an impressive bowling performance from Nyasha Gwanzura. However, Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad combined to rescue India after an early batting collapse.
In this article, find the India Women vs Zimbabwe Women match scorecard, match result, key performances, timeline, and details of the upcoming fixture.
India Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I: Match Summary
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 1st T20I |
| Date | October 16, 2026 |
| Venue | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur |
| Zimbabwe Women | 114/5 in 20 overs |
| India Women | 116/6 in 15.4 overs |
| Result | India Women won by 4 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Deepti Sharma |
| Series score | India Women lead 1–0 |
India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Zimbabwe posted 114/5, but India’s chase became tense when four wickets fell for just 19 runs. Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad then produced a crucial partnership to guide India home.
Zimbabwe Women vs India Women Match Scorecard
Zimbabwe Women innings: 114/5 in 20 overs
Zimbabwe’s batters worked to build a competitive total, with Sharne Mayers and Kelis Ndhlovu contributing the majority of the runs.
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Kelis Ndhlovu | 42 | 44 |
| Sharne Mayers | 43* | 33 |
| Modester Mupachikwa | 16 | 26 |
| Nyasha Gwanzura | 9 | 11 |
| Beloved Biza | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 114/5 | 20 overs |
Sharne Mayers remained unbeaten on 43 off 33 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Ndhlovu added 42 from 44 deliveries, helping Zimbabwe reach 114/5.
India Women bowling scorecard
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nandani Sharma | 4 | 11 | 2 |
| Sree Charani | 4 | 14 | 1 |
| Arundhati Reddy | — | — | 1 |
| Kranti Gaud | — | — | 1 |
Nandani Sharma was India’s most economical wicket-taker, conceding only 11 runs in four overs and claiming two wickets.
India Women innings: 116/6 in 15.4 overs
India’s chase started poorly, with the team losing four wickets for only 19 runs. Zimbabwe’s Nyasha Gwanzura caused significant damage during the powerplay.
Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad responded with a match-defining partnership that shifted the momentum back towards India.
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 9 | 6 |
| Shafali Verma | 4 | 2 |
| Anushka Sharma | 4 | 3 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 1 | 4 |
| Deepti Sharma | 49 | 37 |
| Niki Prasad | 39* | 35 |
| Richa Ghosh | 7 | 5 |
| Arundhati Reddy | 2* | 2 |
| Total | 116/6 | 15.4 overs |
Deepti scored eight fours in her 49-run innings, while Niki Prasad finished unbeaten on 39 from 35 deliveries. Their partnership of 82 runs provided the foundation for India’s victory.
Zimbabwe Women bowling scorecard
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyasha Gwanzura | 3 | 18 | 3 |
| Michelle Mavunga | 3 | 19 | 1 |
| Olinder Chare | 3 | 23 | 1 |
| Beloved Biza | 4 | 27 | 1 |
Nyasha Gwanzura was Zimbabwe’s standout bowler, taking three wickets for 18 runs in three overs. Her spell reduced India to 19/4 and put the visitors in a strong position before Deepti and Niki rebuilt the innings.
For the complete ball-by-ball scorecard, consult the official BCCI match centre.
India Women vs Zimbabwe Women Highlights
1. Zimbabwe post 114 runs
Zimbabwe scored 114/5 in their 20 overs. Kelis Ndhlovu’s 42 and Sharne Mayers’ unbeaten 43 were the main contributions, giving India a target of 115.
2. Nyasha Gwanzura creates an early collapse
India’s top order struggled against Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. Gwanzura dismissed Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Anushka Sharma, while Harmanpreet Kaur also fell early.
India slipped to 19/4, leaving the middle order with considerable pressure.
3. Deepti Sharma steadies the innings
Deepti Sharma demonstrated composure under pressure, scoring 49 from 37 balls. Her innings included eight fours and helped India recover from a difficult position.
Although she fell just short of a half-century, her contribution proved decisive.
4. Niki Prasad shines on her T20I debut
Debutant Niki Prasad played an important supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 39 from 35 balls. She and Deepti added 82 runs together, stabilising the chase and bringing India close to the target.
India eventually reached 116/6 in 15.4 overs to secure a four-wicket win.
India Women vs Zimbabwe Women Timeline
Here is a quick timeline of the key moments from the first T20I:
- Before the match: India won the toss and chose to field.
- Zimbabwe’s innings: Ndhlovu scored 42 and Mayers made 43 not out as Zimbabwe finished on 114/5.
- Early in India’s chase: Gwanzura took three wickets as India fell to 19/4.
- Middle overs: Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad put together an 82-run partnership.
- 15.4 overs: India reached 116/6 and won by four wickets.
- After the match: India took a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Harmanpreet Kaur and India’s New Leadership
Harmanpreet Kaur featured in the Indian lineup and scored one run before being dismissed. The match also marked the start of Smriti Mandhana’s tenure as India’s full-time T20I captain.
Mandhana’s leadership debut ended with a victory, although the early batting collapse showed that India’s top order would need to improve in the following matches.
India’s experienced players, including Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, remain important to the team’s balance as it continues developing its T20I combination.
Who Is Nyasha Gwanzura?
Nyasha Gwanzura was one of the most influential players in the first T20I. The Zimbabwe bowler took three wickets for 18 runs, putting India’s top order under immediate pressure.
Her spell demonstrated Zimbabwe’s ability to challenge a higher-ranked opponent with disciplined bowling and effective wicket-taking. Despite the defeat, her performance was one of the biggest positives for Zimbabwe.
India Women vs Zimbabwe Women: What’s Next?
The first match gave India a 1–0 advantage, but Zimbabwe showed that the series could remain competitive.
The second T20I is scheduled for October 18, 2026, followed by the third match in the series. India will look to improve its top-order batting, while Zimbabwe will aim to convert promising performances into a victory.
Check the official match centre for the latest fixture details and score updates.
Where to Check India Women vs Zimbabwe Women Live Score?
For live scores, updated scorecards and match information, use these sources:
- BCCI: Official Indian cricket match centre and scorecard.
- ICC: International cricket fixtures, news and match information.
- ESPNcricinfo: Detailed scorecards, commentary and player statistics.
Search for IND W vs ZIM W live score or India Women vs Zimbabwe Women match scorecard to find the relevant fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the India Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I in 2026?
India Women won by four wickets after chasing Zimbabwe’s 114/5 in 15.4 overs.
2. What was the India Women vs Zimbabwe Women match scorecard?
Zimbabwe scored 114/5 in 20 overs. India reached 116/6 in 15.4 overs to win the match.
3. Who was Player of the Match?
Deepti Sharma received the Player of the Match award for her crucial 49-run innings.
4. How many wickets did Nyasha Gwanzura take?
Nyasha Gwanzura took three wickets for 18 runs in three overs.
5. How did Harmanpreet Kaur perform?
Harmanpreet Kaur scored one run in the first T20I before being dismissed.
6. What is the India Women vs Zimbabwe Women series score?
India Women lead the three-match T20I series 1–0 after winning the opening match.
7. When is the next India Women vs Zimbabwe Women T20I?
The second T20I is scheduled for October 18, 2026. Check the official fixture listing for any changes.
Conclusion
The India Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st T20I was a competitive opening match featuring an impressive Zimbabwe bowling spell and a resilient Indian recovery. Nyasha Gwanzura’s three wickets put India under pressure, but Deepti Sharma’s 49 and Niki Prasad’s unbeaten 39 helped the hosts secure a four-wicket victory.
With India leading 1–0, the remaining matches promise further opportunities for both teams to demonstrate their batting depth, bowling discipline and T20I potential.