Debutant Prasad Shines as India Women Secure Series Lead

Rajasthan, October 16 (ANI) – A debut performance from Nikki Prasad helped India’s women’s cricket team seal a 4‑wicket win over Zimbabwe, taking a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match T20 series.

Chasing a target of 115, the Indian side slipped to 19/4 before Prasad’s unbeaten 39 joined Deepti Sharma’s 49 for a partnership worth 82 runs. The duo guided the innings home with 26 balls left, delivering a crucial lift to the Women in Blue.

Captain Smriti Mandhana highlighted several stand‑out contributions: bowler Nandini Sharma’s disciplined spell, Prasad’s composure beyond her years, and Deepti Sharma’s consistent excellence, calling her a "true legend" of the game.

Mandhana admitted the side did not execute the strategy they had rehearsed, yet she was pleased with the win. She mentioned that the team already debated the gaps in the dressing room and that the remedial steps will become apparent as the series progresses.

The captain also praised the fielding effort, especially the high‑energy work from herself and Prasad, calling it a major positive. She acknowledged the challenge of facing an unfamiliar opponent, noting Zimbabwe’s batters played elegant strokes while the Indian bowlers handled the slower deliveries in the death overs effectively.

Deepti Sharma’s aggressive intent with the bat left Zimbabwe’s bowlers with little time to settle, a factor that boosted Mandhana’s confidence to execute her own shots.

Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo complimented her bowlers on restricting India early but stressed that the team needs to turn more dot balls into scoring opportunities in future matches.