IND W vs ZIM W 2026: 1st T20I Match Preview

India Women and Zimbabwe Women will lock horns in the first T20I of the series on Friday, October 16, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. The match will mark a new chapter for the Indian team, as Smriti Mandhana takes charge as full-time captain after replacing Harmanpreet Kaur.

Mandhana will be keen to begin her captaincy tenure with a win as India look to make a strong start to the series on home soil. The contest will also provide an opportunity for the team to assess its combinations and give players valuable game time in the shortest format.

Zimbabwe Women, meanwhile, will aim to challenge the hosts and make the most of the opportunity against a strong Indian side.

IND W vs ZIM W: Match Details

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur: Pitch Report

The pitch at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur is generally considered a balanced surface, offering opportunities for both batters and bowlers. The wicket can provide good bounce and carry, allowing batters to play their shots once they settle in. 

IND W vs ZIM W: Head-to-Head T20I Record

This will be the first-ever T20I encounter between the two sides. 

IND W vs ZIM W: Predicted Playing 11s

India Women: 

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana (C), Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh (WK), Niki Prasad, Gunalan Kamalini, Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud.

Zimbabwe Women: