Deepti Sharma backs India's aggressive approach after top-order collapse in Raipur
India recovered from 19 for four through an 82-run stand between Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad to win the opener by four wickets.
Deepti Sharma said India will continue their aggressive approach despite the top-order collapse that left them at 19 for four in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur. The experienced all-rounder and debutant Niki Prasad added 82 runs to guide India to a four-wicket victory while chasing 115. Niki Prasad remained unbeaten on 39 on her senior international debut.
Captain Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Anushka Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur were all dismissed for single-digit scores. Off-spinner Nyasha Gwanzura took three wickets in the powerplay. Deepti said the top order would learn from the innings and that such collapses happen occasionally in aggressive cricket.
Niki Prasad, who captained India to the 2025 Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup title, showed composure under pressure. Zimbabwe scored 114 for five after batting first, with Kelis Ndhlovu and Sharne Mayers providing the main resistance. The second T20I is scheduled for Sunday in Raipur.