Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Oct 17: India defeated Zimbabwe by four wickets in the first T20 International of the three-match women's series at Raipur on Friday.

Batting first, Zimbabwe scored 114 for five in their allotted 20 overs. India chased down the target in 15.4 overs, losing six wickets in the process.

Deepti Sharma top-scored for India with 49 runs off 37 balls and was named Player of the Match. Niki Prasad remained unbeaten on 39 off 35 deliveries to help India secure the victory.

The match marked Smriti Mandhana's first appearance as the full-time captain of the Indian women's cricket team.

In a special initiative, female spectators have been allowed free entry to all three T20 Internationals following a suggestion by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

The second T20 International will be played on Sunday, while the third and final match is scheduled for October 20.

The series marks the first bilateral cricket series between India and Zimbabwe. Following the T20I series, the teams will contest a three-match One Day International series in Vadodara, with matches scheduled for October 23, 25 and 28.