India Women beat Zimbabwe Women by four wickets with 26 balls remaining in the first T20I on Friday, October 16, with Player of the Match Deepti Sharma leading the chase with 49. Niki Prasad contributed 39 as India reached 116/6 in 15.4 overs, overcoming Zimbabwe’s 114/5 despite a three-wicket return from Nyasha Gwanzura.

Mayers and Ndhlovu underpin Zimbabwe’s total

Sharne Mayers made 43 and Kelis Ndhlovu added 42, providing the bulk of Zimbabwe’s runs across their 20 overs. Their combined contribution of 85 gave the visitors a foundation, while Modester Mupachikwa chipped in with 16.

India nevertheless kept Zimbabwe to 114/5. Nandani Sharma led India’s wicket-taking efforts with two wickets, while Shree Charani and Kranti Gaud claimed one apiece. Zimbabwe’s total left India needing 115 to win the opening match of the tour.

Deepti and Niki provide the decisive contributions

The chase was not without resistance. Gwanzura returned 3/18 from three overs, while Michelle Mavunga’s 1/5 from two overs, including a maiden, applied further pressure. India lost six wickets, giving Zimbabwe opportunities to contest a modest target.

Deepti’s 49 proved the standout contribution, complemented by Niki’s 39. Their individual innings supplied 88 runs between them, giving India the scoring weight needed to counter Zimbabwe’s wicket-taking efforts. Smriti Mandhana contributed nine.

India ultimately finished on 116/6 after 15.4 overs. The four-wicket margin reflected Zimbabwe’s success in taking wickets, but the 26 deliveries remaining underlined the breathing room India retained in the chase.

Key performers

  • Deepti Sharma: Scored 49 for India and was named Player of the Match.
  • Niki Prasad: Contributed 39 in India’s successful chase.
  • Sharne Mayers: Led Zimbabwe’s batting with 43.
  • Kelis Ndhlovu: Made 42, just one run fewer than Mayers.
  • Nandani Sharma: Took two wickets for India; Shree Charani and Kranti Gaud claimed one each.
  • Nyasha Gwanzura: Claimed 3/18 in three overs for Zimbabwe.
  • Michelle Mavunga: Returned 1/5 in two overs, with one maiden.

NerdSports Stat: Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad scored 88 of India’s 116 runs between them—75.9% of the winning total, despite neither reaching a half-century.

India take the opening advantage

This was the first match of the Zimbabwe Women tour of India 2026/27, so India’s victory establishes the opening T20I series lead rather than deciding the contest. Two T20Is remain, on Sunday, October 18, and Tuesday, October 20.

The tour then switches to ODI cricket, with three matches scheduled for October 23, 25 and 28. Zimbabwe’s immediate task is to turn their wicket-taking threat into a series-levelling result in the second T20I.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between India Women and Zimbabwe Women?

India Women won the match by four wickets with 26 balls remaining, reaching 116/6 in reply to Zimbabwe Women’s 114/5.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match for her 49 in India’s successful chase.

What is the series standing after this match?

India Women hold the opening advantage after winning the first T20I, with two T20Is still to play.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Deepti Sharma top-scored with 49.

When is the next match in the series?

India Women face Zimbabwe Women in the second T20I on Sunday, October 18, 2026.