Vadodara, October 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Zimbabwe Women won the toss and elected to bat against India in the opening match of the three-ODI series at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Friday, while all-rounder Jintimani Kalita made her debut for the hosts.
India, led by Smriti Mandhana, entered the 50-over series on the back of a dominant 3-0 sweep in the T20I leg and will look to maintain their winning momentum.
Zimbabwe were without regular captain Josephine Nkomo, who was ruled out of the match due to a niggle. Nomvelo Sibanda took over the captaincy for the opening ODI.
After winning the toss, Sibanda said Zimbabwe wanted to post a competitive total and put pressure on the Indian batting line-up. She also stressed the importance of carrying forward the positives from the team’s recent performances.
Mandhana said India had also wanted to bat first, citing favourable overhead conditions, but welcomed the opportunity to chase a target.
The Indian skipper noted that the team had made several changes from the T20I combination and would need time to adjust to the 50-over format. She also highlighted Kalita’s recent performances for India A, describing the debutant as an exciting player.
Kalita was included in the squad after replacing Renuka Singh on Thursday.
Mandhana also pointed to the change in playing surface, noting that the team had played on black-soil pitches during the Women’s Premier League but would now be playing on red soil, which she said was more familiar to the team in Baroda.
Playing XIs
Zimbabwe Women: Beloved Biza, Sharne Mayers, Nyasha Gwanzura, Modester Mupachikwa (wicketkeeper), Chiedza Dhururu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda (captain), Tendai Makusha, Loryn Phiri, Olinder Chare.
India Women: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Jintimani Kalita.
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