Niki Prasad makes history with wickets on first two balls in T20I vs Zimbabwe
Synopsis
At just 20 years old, Niki Prasad became the first Indian cricketer to take wickets on the very first two balls of an international spell, all but completing a hat-trick against Zimbabwe in Raipur. Her 2/7 helped India suffocate Zimbabwe for 102/8 — a performance that announces a serious new bowling talent in Indian women’s cricket.
Key Takeaways
Niki Prasad became the first Indian cricketer to take wickets on the first two balls of an international spell, during the 2nd T20I vs Zimbabwe in Raipur on 18 October 2026 .
She dismissed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Nyasha Gwanzura in successive deliveries, finishing with 2 for 7 in 2 overs .
Prasad came within one decision of a hat-trick, but India chose not to review an LBW appeal against Modester Mupachikwa , believing the ball was missing leg stump.
She also held a crucial low diving catch off Sree Charani ’s bowling in the 19th over , dismissing Michelle Mavunga .
India restricted Zimbabwe to 102/8 , supported by wickets from Kranti Gaud , Nandni Sharma , Deepti Sharma , and Sree Charani .
Zimbabwe failed to beat their first T20I total of 114/5 , giving India a target of 103 to win the match.
Niki Prasad scripted history at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on 18 October 2026, becoming the first Indian cricketer to take wickets on the first two balls of her spell in international cricket, during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. The 20-year-old finished with figures of 2 for 7 in 2 overs, playing a pivotal role in India restricting Zimbabwe to 102/8.
The History-Making Spell
Prasad entered the attack in the 15th over and struck immediately with her very first delivery, drawing a thick outside edge from Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano on a good-length, wide ball that carried through to the wicketkeeper. On the very next ball, she trapped Nyasha Gwanzura plumb in front, sending her back for a duck. The twin strikes made Prasad the first Indian cricketer to take wickets on back-to-back deliveries at the start of an international spell, setting a new benchmark in the country's cricketing history.
So Close to a Hat-Trick
Prasad came agonisingly close to completing a hat-trick when the third delivery struck Modester Mupachikwa on the pads after a missed flick. India appealed loudly, but the team opted against a DRS review. “I felt it was going down leg, so I didn’t think we should use the review. I just try staying very calm and apply my basics, and that’s why I’m able to apply myself better,” Prasad said during the mid-innings break. The decision proved correct, as the ball appeared to be missing leg stump.
Prasad's Reaction and Mindset
Despite the near-miss on the hat-trick, Prasad was understandably elated with her overall contribution. “I feel really good that I was able to get bowling today and use that opportunity to help the team,” she said. Notably, she also redeemed herself in the field after dropping a catch in the first T20I, taking a brilliant low diving catch to dismiss Michelle Mavunga off the bowling of Sree Charani in the 19th over. “I think the last game I missed one catch so I knew if I get another one today, I’ll take it,” she added.
India's Collective Bowling Effort
India’s disciplined bowling unit combined effectively to keep Zimbabwe well below par. Pacers Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma, along with spinners Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani, each claimed a wicket to support Prasad’s incisive burst. Zimbabwe were restricted to 102/8, failing to surpass even their own modest total of 114/5 from the first T20I, despite India committing a few fielding errors on the day.
Context and What's Next
This match is part of India’s ongoing home series against Zimbabwe, with the action taking place in Raipur. Prasad’s emergence as a match-winner with the ball adds a potent new dimension to India’s T20I setup. With Zimbabwe set a target of 103, India will look to wrap up the series with a win as they chase a score well within their capabilities.
Point of View
Take two wickets on her first two deliveries, and nearly produce a hat-trick without a DRS review speaks to her composure under pressure. India’s women’s programme has long relied on Deepti Sharma as its bowling anchor; Prasad’s emergence gives the team a genuine match-winning option in the middle overs. The real question is whether the selectors will back her consistently enough to build on this moment.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Niki Prasad set in the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe?
Niki Prasad became the first Indian cricketer to take wickets on the first two balls of an international spell, dismissing Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Nyasha Gwanzura in back-to-back deliveries during the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on 18 October 2026. She finished with figures of 2 for 7 in 2 overs.
Why did India not review the LBW appeal for Prasad's potential hat-trick ball?
Prasad herself said she felt the ball was going down leg stump and advised against using the DRS review. 'I felt it was going down leg, so I didn’t think we should use the review,' she explained after the innings.
What total did Zimbabwe post in the 2nd T20I in Raipur?
Zimbabwe were restricted to 102/8 in their 20 overs, which was lower than the 114/5 they had managed in the first T20I. India’s bowlers — Prasad, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma, Deepti Sharma, and Sree Charani — each contributed wickets.
How did Niki Prasad perform beyond her bowling in the 2nd T20I?
Beyond her record-making bowling spell, Prasad also took a brilliant low diving catch to dismiss Michelle Mavunga off Sree Charani’s bowling in the 19th over. She noted it was a redemption after missing a catch in the first T20I.
Where was the 2nd T20I between India and Zimbabwe played?
The match was played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on 18 October 2026.
