In a historic match for Indian women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana made her debut as full-time captain, choosing to field first against Zimbabwe in Raipur. This marks the inaugural meeting between the two sides in international cricket, adding further intrigue to this T20I encounter.
Initially, India decided to rest several players, including Jintimani Kalita, G Kamalini, Minnu Mani, and Prema Rawat. Niki Prasad received her international debut cap from Mandhana, earning a spot at number five in the batting order. Prasad has been in outstanding form recently, notching up an impressive unbeaten 54 against Australia A in a T20 match and following it up with a comprehensive all-round performance in a one-day game.
The absence of Jemimah Rodrigues due to a hamstring injury means Prasad, alongside Anushka Sharma at number three, have a chance to secure their positions in the T20I squad. India’s line-up also features a robust bowling attack with three seamers, including all-rounder Arundhati Reddy, and a trio of spinners. Among the spinners are Deepti Sharma, N Shree Charani, and the versatile Shafali Verma, serving as the series vice-captain.
Zimbabwe welcomed back their captain, Josephine Nkomo, into the squad after she missed the previous match against the West Indies. Nomvelo Sibanda, who stood in as captain, was not included. The Zimbabwe team boasts a long batting line-up, with the impactful all-rounder Michelle Mavunga designated for the number seven spot.
This game also holds the distinction of being the first women’s T20I to take place in Raipur, adding another layer of significance to the proceedings.
India Line-up: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Niki Prasad, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, N Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud
Zimbabwe Line-up: Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Josephine Nkomo (captain), Sharne Mayers, Modester Mupachikwa (wicketkeeper), Michelle Mavunga, Francisca Chipare, Tendai Makusha, Olinder Chare, Loryn Phiri
