Deepti, debutant Niki rescue India after top-order collapse against Zimbabwe
India had to work harder than expected while chasing a target of 115, but recovered from losing four wickets for just 19 runs to reach the target with 4.2 overs to spare.
India overcame a top-order collapse to defeat Zimbabwe in the first T20I in Raipur on Friday, winning by four wickets. Experienced Deepti Sharma and debutant Niki Prasad were instrumental in the recovery, contributing 49 and 39 runs respectively as the Indian batting pair put on an 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Despite losing four wickets for 19 runs, India chased down the target of 115 with 4.2 overs to spare.
Niki sealed the win with a boundary, allowing India to triumph despite a challenging start to debutant Niki's international career. Zimbabwe, who had lost all 18 of their T20Is in the current year, had an opportunity to turn the match into an upset, but India emerged victorious.
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