
Samira Vishwas
Tezzbuzz|19-10-2026
The first-ever meeting between India and Zimbabwe women’s sides saw the home team win the first game in Raipur. It wasn’t a cakewalk for the Women in Blue as they were made to toil hard by the visiting side while chasing a target of 116 runs.
Smriti Mandhana began her captaincy career with a win, but she will want her side to be more clinical with the bat. Nandani Sharma was the best bowler for the Indian side, taking 2 wickets for 11 runs from her four overs. With the bat, it was Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma who helped India with a stand of 82 runs in just 63 balls.
Zimbabwe proved why they cannot be taken lightly during the current series. Nyasha Gwanzura in particular left the Indian side reeling with three early wickets and gave her side hope of a win. With the bat, it was Sharne Mayers’ 43 not out and Kelis Ndhlovu’s 42 that helped Zimbabwe post 115 on the board.
Match: India Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 2nd T20I
Date and Time: 18th October 2026, 7:00 PM
Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Broadcast and Live Streaming: Star Sports network channels and JioStar App and Website
Just like the first game, the captain who wins the toss will want to bowl first as there will be dew present during the second half of the game. Powerplay overs will be the best time to bat. The wicket will play much better in the second half, making it easier to bat.
Matches – 1
India – 1
Zimbabwe – 0
India – Shafali VermaSmriti Mandhana(c), Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet KaurNiki Prasad, Richa Ghosh, Deepti SharmaShree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud
Zimbabwe – Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Sharne Mayers, Michelle Mavunga, Nyasha Gwanzura, Francisca Chipare, Modester Mupachikwa, Josephine Nkomo(c), Olinder Chare, Tendai Makusha
Best batter – Smriti Mandhana
Indian captain may have suffered a rare failure in the first match, but expect a big score from her bat when she heads to the park on Sunday. Mandhana has been one of the best batters this year and is the leading run-getter in T20I cricket.
Best bowler – Nandani Sharma
Seam bowler Nandani Sharma took two key wickets. The25-year-old bowled with pace and put the batters under pressure.
The Women in Blue will be expected to win the game and wrap up the series with a match to spare. The game on Sunday could potentially see the home team iron out all the flaws and come out on top with ease.




