Former India cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy believes India’s early batting collapse against Zimbabwe’s slower bowlers in the opening women’s T20I should serve as an eye-opener for the team ahead of the second match on Sunday.

India recovered from 19/4 to chase down a target of 115 in 15.4 overs, winning by eight wickets with 26 balls to spare at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Deepti Sharma scored 49, while debutant Niki Prasad remained unbeaten on 39 as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Veda said India’s batters took time to adjust to Zimbabwe’s slower bowling and that the experience should help them prepare better for the next encounter.

“India lost a couple of wickets early on; it takes time to adjust to slower bowlers, and that is exactly what happened. The batters had been practising at a certain pace to prepare for the level of competition they face globally, particularly against teams like Australia and England. However, this game was an eye-opener for the Indian batters,” she told Jio Star.

India’s top order unravelled after captain Smriti Mandhana struck two boundaries in the opening over. Nyasha Gwanzura dismissed Mandhana and Anushka Sharma, while Michelle Mavunga removed Harmanpreet Kaur before Gwanzura sent back Shafali Verma, leaving India struggling at 19/4 inside four overs.

Deepti and Niki then steadied the innings with an 82-run partnership off 63 balls for the fifth wicket, turning a difficult chase into a comfortable victory.

Veda praised Deepti’s experience and versatility, saying her attacking approach helped ease the pressure on Niki, who was making her international debut.

“It was an excellent partnership. You needed someone with that experience to come in, especially when the wickets fell. Deepti Sharma is a very versatile batter, and the left-right-hand combination also throws the bowlers off. The attacking intent Deepti brought allowed Niki Prasad to take her time and understand the situation,” she said.

Veda also lauded Niki’s composure at the age of 20, noting that the youngster adapted quickly despite being forced to bat earlier than expected.

“Niki Prasad was brilliant as a batter and as a cricketer. She is only 20, but she has the composure of a much more mature and experienced player,” Veda said, recalling Niki’s impressive debut in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Deepti missed her half-century by one run, but Niki stayed unbeaten on 39 and sealed the win with a boundary.