The bilateral series kicks off as **IND Women** face **ZIM Women** in the 1st **T20I** at Raipur. This match is the opening fixture of the six match series, with both sides looking to set an early tone. High voltage action awaits as India looks to extend their dominant run on home turf.

### 📌 MATCH DETAILS

* **Match:** **IND Women** vs **ZIM Women**, 1st **T20I**
* **Date:** 16 Oct 2026
* **Time (IST):** 19:00 IST
* **Venue:** **Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium**, Raipur

### 📺 LIVE STREAMING & BROADCAST DETAILS

Please check the official broadcaster listings for live coverage and streaming updates for this match.

### 🌦 WEATHER REPORT

Raipur is expected to experience clear skies with an evening temperature hovering around 26°C. **Rain impact** will be completely absent with zero percent precipitation forecasted. The **Dew factor** is expected to play a critical role during the second innings, making ball gripping tricky and heavily favoring the side chasing under lights in your fantasy contests.

### 🏟 PITCH REPORT & VENUE STATS

The **Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium** offers an excellent surface for strokeplay. The **Pitch nature** is firm and true, allowing batters to trust the bounce and play their shots freely. 

* **Batting vs bowling trend:** True batting surface with value for aggressive shots
* **Pace vs spin dominance:** Fast bowlers have dominated recent matches, picking up 40 wickets compared to 14 by spinners
* **Average score:** The **178** runs average score indicates that top order batters will be crucial for the **Fantasy Winning Team**

👉 Fantasy takeaway: Load up on top order batters and death over pacers who exploit the conditions.

### 📊 TEAM FORM & HEAD TO-HEAD (POINT WISE FORMAT)

### **IND Women**

* Last 5 matches: W, W, W, W, W
* **IND Women** enter this contest on an explosive five match winning streak, having dismantled opponents with 180-plus scores.
* Head to-head record: 0 wins against **ZIM Women** as this is their inaugural bilateral clash in recent times.
* ICC Rankings: Ranked 3rd in the world with world class form across departments.

### **ZIM Women**

* Last 5 matches: L, L, L, L, L
* **ZIM Women** have struggled for momentum, losing five consecutive matches against top sides.
* Head to-head record: 0 wins against **IND Women**.
* ICC Rankings: Ranked 16th in the world and aiming to cause an upset.

### 🚑 INJURY UPDATES & PLAYER AVAILABILITY

* **Injured:** None reported
* **Doubtful:** None reported
* **Fully fit:** All primary squad members are fit and available for selection

### 🏏 PROBABLE PLAYING XI (BOTH TEAMS)

### **IND Women**

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Goud, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, Minnu Mani

### **ZIM Women**

Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Sharne Mayers, Josephine Nkomo, Nyasha Gwanzura, Michelle Mavunga, Kudzai Chigora, Francisca Chipare, Nomvelo Sibanda

### 🔥 KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

* **Shafali Verma:** An explosive opening batter who has hammered **320 runs** and taken **5 wickets** in her last 5 matches. She is in supreme touch and commands selection.
* **Deepti Sharma:** Ranked No. 2 bowler globally, she has collected **13 wickets** across her last 5 games. Her off break bowling and lower order hitting make her a genuine game changer.
* **Shree Charani:** Ranked No. 1 bowler in the world, having captured **13 wickets** in her last 5 outings. She controls the middle overs with precision.
* **Beloved Biza:** The standout all rounder for **ZIM Women**, contributing **109 runs** and **3 wickets** in her last 5 matches.

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### 🎯 FANTASY PICKS

### Small League Safe Picks

* **Shafali Verma**
* **Deepti Sharma**

### Mega League Differential Picks

* **Shree Charani**
* **Michelle Mavunga**

👉 Perfect for climbing the Leaderboard in major leagues and securing the Winning Zone!

### 🔮 MATCH PREDICTION / OUTLOOK

* **Final verdict:** **IND Women** hold massive superiority in batting depth, bowling quality, and recent form. Expect **IND Women** to secure a dominant victory in this opening **T20I** clash.

### ⚠️ DISCLAIMER

> Always check **Final Playing XI** and **Toss updates** before locking your fantasy team.

India Women take on Zimbabwe Women in the 1st T20I at Raipur. Get pitch analysis, key player statistics, probable Playing XI, and top fantasy picks for your contests.

The Raipur pitch favors aggressive batting with an average score of 178, and pacers dominate the wicket counts. The captain winning the toss will likely choose to chase to take advantage of late dew. Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Shree Charani are the highest-rated players on current form. Shafali Verma is the top pick for captain, with Deepti Sharma as vice-captain.

Zimbabwe Women in India

IND-W vs ZIM-W

Zimbabwe Women in India T20I Series

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ZIM Women

1st T20I

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium

IND-W vs ZIM-W 1st T20I Preview: Pitch Report, Playing XI & Fantasy Tips

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