India beat Zimbabwe by four wickets in first T20I

India beat Zimbabwe by four wickets in the first T20I in Raipur on October 16, recovering from a collapse at 19 for four to chase a target of 115 in 15.4 overs. Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad shared an 82-run partnership that carried India to 116 for six and gave Smriti Mandhana a win in her first match as T20I captain. Zimbabwe’s bowlers put India under pressure in the opening overs. Offspinner Nyasha Gwanzura took three wickets during the powerplay, removing Mandhana, Anushka Sharma and Shafali Verma. Michelle Mavunga dismissed Harmanpreet Kaur as India lost four wickets for 19 runs. Deepti and Niki rebuilt the innings, balancing cautious play with scoring opportunities. Deepti made 49 from 37 balls, while Niki stayed unbeaten on 39 from 35. Deepti was dismissed with India close to the target, and Richa Ghosh also fell, but Niki completed the chase with a boundary. India reached the target with 4.2 overs remaining. Earlier, India’s bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to 114 for five from 20 overs after Mandhana chose to field. Kelis Ndhlovu top-scored with 42 from 44 balls, and Sharne Mayers added an unbeaten 43 from 33, providing late runs for the visitors. Nandni Sharma...