Under-19 World Cup hero Niki Prasad makes his India debut and gets the cap from Smriti Mandhan

Niki Prasad made her India debut in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on Friday, marking a major milestone in her journey from Under-19 World Cup captain to the senior international stage. The young all-rounder received her Indian cap from Smriti Mandhan before the match.

As the Indian team huddled together, Mandhana was seen talking to Prasad before handing over the cap in a special moment for the Karnataka cricketer. She also received a warm hug from Deepti Sharma and Anushka Sharma as her co-stars celebrated the occasion. Prasad is expected to bat at No.3, giving India an opportunity to test his ability at the key position.

India vs Zimbabwe 1st Women’s T20I: Update | Scorecard

The debut marks another important step in Prasad’s rise through Indian cricket. She captained India to the 2025 Women’s Under-19 World Cup T20 title in 2025, while also leading the country to glory in the inaugural Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup in 2024. Her leadership and performances at the age group level have placed her among the promising young talents in the Indian set-up.

The right-handed batsman also gained valuable experience during her two seasons with Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she shared a dressing room with established international players and continued to develop her game.

ENTER NIKI PRASADA

Niki Prasad has been impressive over the past 24 months. Courtesy: BCCI Women

Prasad’s recent performances for India A against Australia A have further strengthened her case for a call-up to the senior team. In the T20 match at New Chandigarh, she smashed 54 off just 31 balls after India ran into trouble and produced an attacking innings that showcased her ability to change the course of a match. She followed that up with an unbeaten 32 in the first one-dayer to help India A secure a four-wicket victory.

Her versatile contributions were equally encouraging. Prasad took five wickets in the unofficial Test against Australia A and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the one-day series, picking up nine wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 6.20.

Her experience with the WPL has contributed to her tenure at the highest domestic level. In 18 matches for Delhi Capitals, she scored 153 runs at an average of 30.60 and a strike rate of 119.53, with a highest score of 47.

Jemimah Rodrigues usually bats at No.3 for India but is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. If Niki Prasad can make the most of the opportunity and score, she could put the pressure on Jemimah, especially with the selectors set to pick a squad for India’s tour of South Africa later this year.

XIS PLAYING FOR INDIA VS ZIMBABWE 1ST WOMEN’S T20I

India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana(c), Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Niki Prasad, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud

Zimbabwe Women (Playing XI): Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Sharne Mayers, Michelle Mavunga, Nyasha Gwanzura, Francisca Chipare, Modester Mupachikwa(w), Josephine Nkomo(c), Olinder Chare, Tendai Makusha

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