Young star Niki Prasad earns acclaim after India's tight T20 triumph in Raipur

Raipur, 17 October – The Indian women’s cricket side edged Zimbabwe by four wickets in the first T20 of a three‑match series. Zimbabwe posted 115 runs, and India found themselves 19 for four before the breakthrough partnership.

Debutante Niki Prasad, batting at the middle order, finished unbeaten on 39 runs off 35 balls, punching six fours. Her partner, seasoned all‑rounder Deepti Sharma, added 49 runs from 37 balls, with eight fours, before being out. Their 82‑run stand over 63 balls lifted the innings to a victorious 116/6 in 15.4 overs.

Sharma’s spell of four overs that gave away only 22 runs secured her the Player of the Match honour, despite not taking a wicket. She later praised Prasad’s confidence, saying the performance looked far from a debut and reflected true match‑winning temperament.

With the win, India leads the series 1‑0. The second T20 is slated for Sunday at the same venue.