India’s women’s cricket team began a fresh chapter on Friday, October 16, as Smriti Mandhana took charge as full-time captain in the opening T20 International against Zimbabwe at Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
Mandhana won the toss and chose to bowl first. Fast bowler Kranti Goud gave India an early breakthrough by dismissing Beloved Biza for a duck. Sree Charani and Arundhati Reddy also claimed wickets, leaving Zimbabwe at 82/3 during an early innings update.
Mandhana Takes Over From Harmanpreet Kaur
The 29-year-old opening batter officially replaced Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from captaincy on October 6. Harmanpreet remains part of the playing squad, while Shafali Verma serves as vice-captain.
Mandhana brings considerable leadership experience, having previously captained India in 18 T20Is and guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
Young Players Get Their Opportunity
The opening match also marked Niki Prasad’s international debut. India are using the Zimbabwe series to assess emerging players and strengthen their batting and bowling combinations.
Mandhana has outlined her ambition to improve team standards and guide India towards the top of the ICC rankings across formats.
India vs Zimbabwe Series Schedule
The three T20Is will take place in Raipur on October 16, 18 and 20. Three ODIs will follow in Vadodara on October 23, 25 and 28.
This is the first bilateral international series between the two women’s teams. For Mandhana, it represents the beginning of a new leadership responsibility as India prepare for future international tournaments.
