Published on: Oct 15, 2026 3:00 pm IST | Updated on: Oct 15, 2026 1:09 pm IST
The Indian eves are all set to host the Zimbabwean women in an international series for the first time in history. This Zimbabwean women’s tour of India will comprise six white-ball games, including 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs. First up are the T20Is, with all three games set to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. This will be the first assignment for Smriti Mandhana as the full-time leader of the Indian women’s side, and she couldn’t have asked for an easier opponent than the Zimbabwean women to kick off her captaincy stint. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for IND-W vs ZIM-W 1st T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
The Indian women playing in familiar conditions should be the firm favorites to win this game. They have been in great form in recent matches in the format and would be hoping for a dominant run in this entire series. The Zimbabwean women will be playing for the first time in India and have no idea about the conditions. Also, having lost their last 8 T20Is in a row, the Zimbabwean women have no chance of upsetting the Indian women. Therefore, the win probability meter should lean in favor of the Indian women. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for IND-W vs ZIM-W 1st T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
IND-W: 98% win chance ZIM-W: 2% win chance
Smriti will look to kick-off her captaincy stint with a big knock. The left-hander has scored 375 runs in her last 10 T20I outings striking at a brilliant rate of 159.
The Indian vice-captain is known for providing quick starts. Shafali has amassed 511 runs in her last 10 matches at an astonishing strike-rate of 175.6. She remains a top bet.
The former Indian skipper is expected to bat at no 3 for the team. The senior batter will be looking to play with freedom with no added captaincy burden.
The 20-year-old left-hander amassed 99 runs across the three innings in the series against the West Indies women with her top score being 65. She will be a top bet in the visitors batting lineup.
Check out our prediction for the IND-W vs ZIM-W 1st T20I of the Zimbabwean Women Tour of India at Raipur.
Indian women’s cricket is set to begin a fresh chapter as Smriti Mandhana takes over the reins as the new all‑format skipper, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur who recently stepped down. The upcoming three‑match T20I series against Zimbabwe Women, starting October 16 in Raipur, marks Mandhana’s first assignment as full‑time captain, a fitting stage to launch her leadership era.
Mandhana’s appointment signals a generational shift, with the management banking on her aggressive batting style and calm presence to inspire the side. Facing Zimbabwe provides an ideal opportunity for India to settle into this transition, as the visitors are comparatively inexperienced and have struggled against top‑tier opposition. For Mandhana, it is a chance to stamp authority early, instill confidence in her squad, and set the tone for future challenges.
The spotlight will be on how she marshals her resources, especially the younger talents who have shown promise in recent tournaments. A strong start under her captaincy could well symbolize the dawn of a new, ambitious era for Indian women’s cricket.
Zimbabwe Women embark on their maiden tour of India with renewed confidence, carrying forward the same squad that scripted history against the West Indies women earlier this year. The side, led by Josephine Nkomo, stunned the Caribbean visitors in Harare with a four‑wicket victory, their first‑ever win in the ICC Women’s Championship. That triumph showcased the team’s growing potential and resilience on the international stage.
The squad features promising talents such as Beloved Biza and Kelis Ndhlovu, who finished as top ODI and T20I run scorers, respectively, in the West Indies series. Their batting form will be crucial against India’s strong bowling attack. Alongside them, Nyasha Gwanzura and Michelle Mavunga, who shared seven wickets in that historic win, add depth to the bowling unit. Wicketkeeper‑batter Modester Mupachikwa, the top‑scorer in that memorable game, further strengthens the lineup.
For Zimbabwe, this three‑match T20I series is not just about results but about gaining invaluable exposure against a formidable opponent. With a blend of youthful energy and experienced campaigners, the visitors will aim to challenge India and continue building momentum in their journey as an emerging force in women’s cricket. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 0 IND-W won: 0 ZIM-W won: 0 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form ZIMBABWE WOMEN: L L L L L RECENT form INDIA WOMEN: W W W W W
The Indian women and Zimbabwean women have never locked horns in this format. This will be their first-ever meeting.
How will the two teams, i.e., India Women and Zimbabwe Women, fare in the 1st T20I of Zimbabwe Women Tour of India? Let’s take a look.
Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh (WK), Niki Prasad, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Nandani Sharma, Anushka Sharma/Prema Rawat
Modester Mupachikwa (WK), Sharne Mayers, Kelis Ndhlovu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo (C), Nyasha Gwanzura, Michelle Mavunga, Francisca Chipare, Kudzai Chigora, Olinder Chare
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the first T20I of the Zimbabwe Womens Tour of India between Zimbabwe Women and India Women at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
At Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, the toss will be crucial. With dew expected later in the evening, captains may prefer chasing under lights. A target in the range of 160–170 could prove competitive, but batting second offers the advantage of clearer conditions and momentum in this batting‑friendly venue.
The online live streaming of the 1st T20I between India Women and Zimbabwe Women will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will be available on the Star Sports channels.
The Indian women should enter this contest as the sheer favorites. Zimbabwe Women haven’t had much success in the sport, and India playing at home makes them the extreme favorites to win this contest. Zimbabwe women will be playing their first-ever game in India, and their inexperience will be on display, making the Indian women firm favorites for this contest. Therefore, as per our prediction, India Women are expected to win IND-W vs ZIM-W, 1st T20I.
Want more Cricket Betting Tips like this? Click here