With its batting unit back in rhythm, the Indian women’s cricket team will aim to extend its winning streak and complete a 3-0 sweep against Zimbabwe in the final T20I here on Tuesday.
Smriti Mandhana’s era as full-time captain began with some jittery moments in the first T20I when Zimbabwe, touring India for the first time, reduced the hosts to 19/4 while defending a modest 114 on a slow surface.
Coming off an Asia Cup triumph and a gold-winning campaign at the Asian Games, India finally overcame the nerves with Deepti Sharma and rising all-rounder Niki Prasad’s measured performances. On her senior international debut, the 20-year-old Niki remained unbeaten on 39 against Zimbabwe, helping India recover from their early batting collapse and hit the winning runs.