India’s women’s cricket team embarked on a new chapter of international play today, facing Zimbabwe’s team in their inaugural ODI match against each other. The historic clash saw the hosts begin bowling first, after Zimbabwe’s temporary captain, Nomvelo Sibanda, won the toss. Regular captain Josephine Nkomo was sidelined due to a minor injury.
Harmanpreet Kaur had the honour of presenting Jintimani Kalita with her first India cap, marking the debut of this seam-bowling all-rounder. Kalita, who previously played for Mumbai Indians during the 2023 and 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) seasons, stepped into the national team as a substitute for Renuka Singh. According to a statement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Singh is currently preparing to meet the demands of the longer 50-over format.
The India team picked N Shree Charani over Vaishnavi Sharma for the left-arm spin role, adding depth to the bowling attack alongside vice-captain Deepti Sharma. Pratika Rawal, scheduled to bat at third position, and opener Shafali Verma will also provide off-spin options. In the middle-order batting line-up, Tejal Hasabnis was positioned at number five, stepping in for the absent Jemimah Rodrigues.
Smriti Mandhana, overseeing her first game since India’s historic World Cup victory last year, noted that the match is being played on a red-soil pitch at Kotambi Stadium, contrasting with the black-soil surface seen during the WPL earlier this year.
This series represents India’s entry into the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle, leading to the 2029 ODI World Cup. Having only played their previous ODI match in February of this year, the team is eager to build momentum as they continue their limited-overs journey.
India’s Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana (capt), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), N Shree Charani, Jintimani Kalita, Sayali Satghare, Kranti Gaud
Zimbabwe’s Playing XI: Beloved Biza, Sharne Mayers, Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Chiedza Dhuru, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Michelle Mavunga, Nyasha Gwanzura, Tendai Makusha, Nomvelo Sibanda (capt), Loryn Phiri, Olinder Chare
