New Delhi: The Indian women’s cricket team will look to complete a 3-0 series sweep against Zimbabwe when the two sides meet in the third and final T20I in Raipur on Tuesday.
With the batting unit regaining its rhythm, India will aim to carry their winning momentum into the concluding match.
Smriti Mandhana’s first series as full-time captain began with an early scare in the opening T20I. Zimbabwe, playing their first tour of India, reduced the hosts to 19/4 while defending a modest total of 114 on a slow surface. India eventually recovered through composed contributions from Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad to secure victory.
Niki, the captain of India’s 2025 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning team, impressed on her senior international debut by remaining unbeaten on 39 and helping India cross the finish line. She followed that performance with an outstanding bowling display in the second T20I, claiming two wickets for just seven runs. She took a wicket with each of her first two deliveries at the international level.
India dominated the second match on Sunday, with Mandhana scoring an unbeaten 47 off 25 balls and Shafali Verma smashing 55 from just 25 deliveries. Their explosive partnership powered India to a nine-wicket victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Mandhana’s return to form is a major boost as India build towards the Champions Trophy in February. Shafali has also enjoyed an exceptional year, emerging as the leading run-scorer in T20Is in 2026 with 922 runs at a strike rate of 165.52. The opening pair will once again be expected to put Zimbabwe’s bowlers under pressure.
India could also use the final match to assess their options at No. 3. Anushka Sharma has received an opportunity in the absence of the injured Jemimah Rodrigues but has had limited chances to make an impression in the first two games.
Another major positive has been Niki’s smooth transition to the senior side. Her batting composure and promising off-spin have strengthened India’s options, while she has praised the supportive dressing-room environment under Mandhana.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will seek an improved performance after losing the opening two matches. Despite recording a historic first ODI victory over the West Indies in September, they are still searching for their first T20I win of 2026. Opener Kelis Ndhlovu will be eager to make an impact, while off-spinner Nyasha Gwanzura could again pose a threat after troubling India’s top order in the opening game.
India will enter the final T20I as firm favourites, with a clean sweep within reach.