IND W vs ZIM W 1st T20I: Smriti As Captain Toss Playing XI Niki Prasad Debut

Niki (PC: BCCI Women X)

The Indian women's cricket team is gearing up for a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at home. As part of this, in the first match on Friday at Raipur, Team India won the toss and chose to bowl first. And with this series, the star opener Smriti Mandhana has started her journey as the captain of the Indian team.

Bowling
Moreover, this is the first women's international cricket match in Raipur. During the toss, Indian team captain Smriti Mandhana said. In order to prepare for the Champions Trophy, we have to play matches mostly at night when it is snowing. We have a lot of talented young players in our team. So the selection of the final team will be a bit difficult. And today we are entering the ring with three pacers and two main spinners. Star opener Shafali Verma will be the sixth option.

There is no place for them
However, due to the composition of the team, unfortunately Prema Rawat, Jintimani Kalita, Minnu Mani and Kamalini could not get a place in the final team. They are all good players. But in the current combination they have no chance.

Today Niki Prasad is making her debut. As a captain, I have led the team forward in the past. I also have experience as a captain in the Women's Premier League. So there is nothing to think about the captaincy. 

Nicky debut
And 20-year-old Nicky Prasad is a batting all-rounder. She is a right-handed batsman and also a right-arm off-break spinner. Niki also performed well for the Indian U-19 team in the recent unofficial home series against Australia. As a result, she got a chance to make her debut for the Indian T20 team. Nicky received the Team India cap through the hands of captain Smriti Mandhana. 

India vs Zimbabwe 1st T20 Final Teams
India
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana (captain), Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Niki Prasad, Richa Ghosh (wicket keeper), Deepti Sharma, Sri Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Goud.

Zimbabwe
Kelis Endhlovu, Beloved Bija, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Sharon Meyers, Michelle Mvunga, Nayasha Gwanzura, Francesca Chipare, Madester Mupachikwa (wicket keeper), Josephine Mkomomo. (captain), Olinder Chare, Tendai Makusha.

Read: IND vs WI: 5th T20I with Windies.. Place for Bhuvi: BCCI Statement