The India Women’s team will open their three‑match T20I series against Zimbabwe Women on 16 October at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. The squad was announced on 6 October 2026, with Smriti Mandhana appointed captain, marking her first leadership role in both ODI and T20I formats.
Projected playing eleven for India Women’s opening T20I vs Zimbabwe Women
Top order: Shafali Varma, Smriti Mandhana (c), Harmanpreet Kaur
Mandhana brings extensive experience to the captaincy, having amassed 4,867 runs in 179 T20I matches. Shafali Verma, named vice‑captain, has compiled 3,325 runs across 119 T20Is. The Verma–Mandhana opening partnership will be pivotal for India’s start in the series. Harmanpreet Kaur rounds out the top order; she has scored 4,346 runs in 210 T20I appearances, providing stability and the ability to accelerate as required against Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
