India Women are set to host Zimbabwe Women in a historic first-ever bilateral T20I series, with all three matches scheduled at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur from October 16 to 20, 2026. It is a landmark occasion for both teams: the first bilateral T20I rubber ever contested between the two nations, and the beginning of a brand-new era in Indian women’s cricket.
Smriti Mandhana will lead India in her first series as full-time captain, having been appointed to the role on October 6 after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down. The elegant left-hander has been one of the finest batters in the women’s game for nearly a decade, and her first assignment as permanent skipper — a home series she will be expected to win — already carries plenty of intrigue.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, travel to India with genuine belief. Josephine Nkomo’s side stunned the West Indies to seal their maiden ODI victory in September, and they will fancy their chances of springing another surprise in the shortest format. Here is SportMaax’s complete series preview, with the full schedule, both squads, venues, key storylines and where to watch every ball live.
Series Schedule
All three T20Is will be played at the same venue in Raipur, with evening starts under lights. The timings suit viewers in both India and the Gulf, with the first ball at 7:00 PM IST (4:30 PM in Riyadh).
| Match | Date | Start time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Friday, October 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM IST (4:30 PM Riyadh) |
| 2nd T20I | Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM IST (4:30 PM Riyadh) |
| 3rd T20I | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM IST (4:30 PM Riyadh) |
Venue (all matches): Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.
India Squad
The selectors have blended proven match-winners with exciting young talent. Harmanpreet Kaur remains in the squad purely as a batter, while the explosive Shafali Verma — one of the most destructive openers in the women’s game — has been named vice-captain. There are two wicketkeeping options in Richa Ghosh and G Kamalini, and uncapped youngster Anushka Sharma earns a first call-up.
- Smriti Mandhana (captain)
- Shafali Verma (vice-captain)
- Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
- G Kamalini (wicketkeeper)
- Niki Prasad
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- Anushka Sharma
- Deepti Sharma
- Prema Rawat
- Sree Charani
- Nandni Sharma
- Kranti Gaud
- Arundhati Reddy
- Jintimani Kalita
- Minnu Mani
Squad note: Mandhana was appointed full-time captain on October 6 after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the leadership role. Jemimah Rodrigues misses out as she continues her recovery from a hamstring injury. For more on India’s recent T20I form, read our India vs West Indies 4th T20I preview.
Zimbabwe Squad
Zimbabwe have named a 15-member squad led by the experienced Josephine Nkomo, with Chiedza Dhururu and Modester Mupachikwa as the two wicketkeeping options. The squad mixes seasoned campaigners such as Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Sharne Mayers with emerging talent.
- Josephine Nkomo (captain)
- Chiedza Dhururu (wicketkeeper)
- Modester Mupachikwa (wicketkeeper)
- Michelle Mavunga
- Kudzai Chigora
- Nyasha Gwanzura
- Sharne Mayers
- Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
- Tendai Makusha
- Beloved Biza
- Francisca Chipare
- Kelis Ndhlovu
- Olinder Chare
- Nomvelo Sibanda
- Loryn Phiri
Player to watch: Kelis Ndhlovu is Zimbabwe’s key batter and the only member of the squad to register a T20I fifty this year. If the visitors are to trouble India, the young left-hander must fire at the top of the order, while Nkomo’s all-round skills will be vital with both bat and ball.
Key Storylines
The Mandhana captaincy era begins. All eyes will be on how India’s new full-time captain handles the step up. Mandhana has led in Harmanpreet’s absence before, but this is her team now — her selections, her field settings and her batting at the top of the order will set the tone for the next phase of Indian women’s cricket.
A historic first. Remarkably, this is the first bilateral series of any kind between the women’s teams of India and Zimbabwe. The fixture list on the ICC women’s calendar keeps expanding, and Raipur will witness a small piece of history this week.
Zimbabwe’s growing belief. September’s maiden ODI win over the West Indies was a watershed moment for Zimbabwe women’s cricket — proof that they can topple established sides on their day. T20 is the format where underdogs have the shortest odds, and Nkomo’s team will take the field in Raipur believing an upset is possible.
One eye on the ODIs. The T20Is are only the first course: three ODIs follow in Vadodara from October 23 to 28. Both sides will want to build momentum, and for fringe players these white-ball games are an audition for bigger assignments ahead.
Where to Watch
Fans in India can watch the India Women vs Zimbabwe Women T20I series live on television via the Star Sports Network, with all three matches scheduled in prime-time evening slots.
Live streaming will be available on JioHotstar, so viewers can follow every ball on mobile, tablet and desktop. With Shafali Verma’s power-hitting on show, it is worth revisiting our list of the biggest six-hitters in international cricket before the first ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the India Women vs Zimbabwe Women T20I series start?
The three-match series begins with the 1st T20I on Friday, October 16, 2026. The 2nd and 3rd T20Is follow on October 18 and October 20.
Where will the matches be played?
All three T20Is will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Who is the captain of India Women for this series?
Smriti Mandhana, who was appointed full-time captain on October 6, 2026, after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down. This is her first series in charge of the side.
Where can I watch the IND-W vs ZIM-W T20I series live?
The series will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network in India and streamed live on JioHotstar.
Is this the first bilateral series between India Women and Zimbabwe Women?
Yes. This is the first-ever bilateral T20I series between the two sides, making it a historic occasion for women’s cricket in both countries.
Conclusion
The India Women vs Zimbabwe Women T20I series promises a historic week for the women’s game. For India, it marks the dawn of the Mandhana captaincy era and a chance to blood exciting young talent on home soil. For Zimbabwe, it is an opportunity to measure themselves against one of the world’s best teams and build on their breakthrough victory over the West Indies.
With all three matches under lights in Raipur and live coverage on Star Sports and JioHotstar, fans are in for a treat. Stay tuned to SportMaax for match reports, analysis and talking points through the series.
Source: ICC
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