A new chapter in Indian women’s cricket begins on Friday as Smriti Mandhana takes charge of the national side for her first assignment as full-time captain, with India set to host Zimbabwe in a historic three-match T20I series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. The series, beginning October 16, marks the first bilateral T20I meetings between the two teams. With all three matches scheduled at the same venue, India will look to establish an early rhythm under Mandhana’s leadership, while Zimbabwe will aim to build on recent progress against international opposition.
Mandhana succeeds Harmanpreet Kaur, who stepped down from captaincy across formats. Harmanpreet remains part of the T20I squad, offering experience as India transitions into a new leadership phase. Shafali Verma has been appointed vice-captain for the series. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the T20I series will be followed by three ODIs in Vadodara from October 23, making the tour an important opportunity for both teams to prepare for upcoming international challenges.
Although Mandhana has previously captained India in 18 T20 internationals, the Zimbabwe series represents her first assignment as the team’s full-time captain. Her previous record in the format includes 11 wins, six defeats and one match without a result. The left-handed opener will be expected to lead from the front with the bat while managing a squad that combines experienced international players with emerging talent. Harmanpreet, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and all-rounder Deepti Sharma will form an experienced core around the new captain.
India will, however, be without Jemimah Rodrigues, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav and Bharti Fulmali have also been left out of the T20I squad. The series provides an opportunity for younger players, including Niki Prasad, G Kamalini, Anushka Sharma and Minnu Mani, to strengthen their claims for regular international opportunities.
Zimbabwe arrive in India with renewed confidence after securing their first-ever ICC Women’s Championship victory, defeating the West Indies by four wickets in September. Led by Josephine Nkomo, Zimbabwe have retained the core of the squad that produced that landmark result. The visitors will hope to translate their recent ODI success into the shortest format, despite losing all three T20Is against the West Indies during the same tour.
Players such as Nyasha Gwanzura, who claimed career-best figures of 4/33 in the historic ODI victory, will be important to Zimbabwe’s plans. The series offers the visitors an opportunity to test themselves against one of the leading teams in women’s cricket and gain valuable experience ahead of the ODI leg.
India Women vs Zimbabwe Women T20I Series 2026: Schedule
16-Oct-26, 7:00 PM, 1st T20I, Raipur
18-Oct-26, 7:00 PM, 2nd T20I, Raipur
20-Oct-26, 7:00 PM, 3rd T20I, Raipur
23-Oct-26, 2:00 PM, 1st ODI, Vadodara
25-Oct-26, 2:00 PM, 2nd ODI, Vadodara
28-Oct-26, 2:00 PM, 3rd ODI, Vadodara
Where to Watch India vs Zimbabwe Women Live?
Indian viewers can watch the three-match T20I series live on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website.
For India, this series is about more than securing a series victory. Mandhana’s first assignment as full-time captain will offer an early indication of how the team adapts to its new leadership structure and integrates younger players into the international setup. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, arrive with a landmark result behind them and an opportunity to challenge themselves against stronger opposition.
Their recent ODI breakthrough demonstrates the progress they can make when they combine discipline with confidence. India will begin as the more experienced side, but the contest also offers Zimbabwe an opportunity to test their development. With a new captain at the helm and a historic first bilateral T20I series between the teams, Raipur will provide the setting for an important week in both sides’ campaigns.
