By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe Women reduced India to 19-4 in their first Twenty20 International against the hosts, but India recovered to win by four wickets in Raipur on Friday and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing 115, India reached 116-6 in 15.4 overs, with 26 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe all-rounder Nyasha Gwanzura had earlier rocked the hosts as she removed India captain Smriti Mandhana (9), opening partner Shafali Verma (4) and Anushka Sharma (4). Michelle Mavunga dismissed Harmanpreet Kaur for one, leaving India 19-4 inside 3.1 overs.
Deepti Sharma then made 49 and debutant Niki Prasad an unbeaten 39 to take the hosts home.
Earlier, after India won the toss and chose to field, Sharne Mayers top-scored with 43 off 33 balls and Kelis Ndhlovu added 42 as Zimbabwe made 114 in their 20 overs. Nandani Sharma took two wickets for India.
Zimbabwe’s encouraging display against a formidable Indian side comes on the bqck of their first ODI win over West Indies at home, which came recently.
The second match of the series is scheduled for Sunday.
