Niki Prasad achieved a historic milestone in Indian women’s cricket on October 18, 2026, becoming the first Indian woman to claim a wicket with the opening delivery of her international bowling career.
The young all-rounder accomplished the feat during the second T20I against Zimbabwe Women at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
Prasad made an immediate impact with the ball, dismissing a Zimbabwe batter with her first delivery before taking another wicket with the very next ball.
She finished with impressive figures of 2/7 from two overs, completing a memorable start to her international bowling career.
The achievement came just two days after Prasad made her senior India debut, when her unbeaten 39 helped the hosts recover from a dramatic batting collapse and secure victory in the series opener.
Niki Prasad Becomes First Indian Woman to Take Wicket With First International Ball
Prasad created history during the second T20I against Zimbabwe by taking a wicket with her first legitimate delivery in international cricket.
She became the first Indian woman to achieve the milestone, adding her name to the record books shortly after making her senior debut.
The young cricketer then produced another breakthrough with her second delivery, claiming wickets from the first two balls of her international bowling career.
Her outstanding introduction to international bowling helped India maintain pressure on Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Prasad completed her two-over spell with figures of 2/7 and an economy rate of 3.50.
The performance highlighted her ability to contribute with the ball at the highest level.
Niki Prasad’s Bowling Figures Against Zimbabwe
| Category | Performance |
| Match | India Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 2nd T20I |
| Date | October 18, 2026 |
| Venue | Raipur |
| Overs | 2 |
| Runs conceded | 7 |
| Wickets | 2 |
| Economy rate | 3.50 |
| First international delivery | Wicket |
| Second international delivery | Wicket |
| Historic achievement | First Indian woman to take a wicket with her first international ball |
Prasad’s consecutive wickets made her bowling debut particularly memorable.
Her performance also continued an impressive start to her senior international career.
Niki Prasad Made Her India Debut on October 16
Prasad received her first senior India cap on October 16, 2026, ahead of the opening T20I against Zimbabwe. The match was played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
India captain Smriti Mandhana presented Prasad with her international cap, marking an important moment in the young player’s development. The BCCI shared a video of the occasion on its official social media platforms, capturing the captain’s encouraging message to the debutant.
“Whenever you wear this cap and jersey, you should always remember that you are a match-winner. You are the biggest match-winner for India.”
Prasad’s performances in the first two matches have reflected that message.
India Women Collapse to 19/4 in First T20I
Zimbabwe set India a target of 115 runs in the opening match of the series. The hosts were expected to chase the total, but their top order struggled against Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
India lost four wickets for just 19 runs within the first 19 deliveries of the innings. Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Harmanpreet Kaur were among the experienced batters dismissed during the collapse.
The early setbacks left India in a difficult position and placed considerable responsibility on the remaining middle-order players.
Prasad, playing her first international match, joined experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma at the crease. Rather than attempting to score quickly, the debutant focused on rebuilding the innings and forming a partnership.
Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma Rescue India With 82-Run Stand
Prasad and Sharma combined to produce a crucial partnership after India’s poor start. The pair added 82 runs, helping the hosts recover from 19/4 and move closer to the target.
Prasad demonstrated composure despite the pressure of the situation and the significance of her international debut. She remained unbeaten on 39 from 35 deliveries, playing an important role in India’s recovery.
Her partnership with Sharma shifted the momentum back towards the home side.
Prasad also struck the winning boundary as India completed a four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe.
The unbeaten innings ensured that her first appearance for the senior national team ended with a match-winning contribution.
Prasad Makes Immediate Impact With Bat and Ball
Prasad’s first two international appearances demonstrated her ability to contribute in different situations. In the opening T20I, she played a patient innings when India needed stability following an early collapse. Her unbeaten 39 helped the team recover and complete a difficult chase.
Two days later, she made headlines with the ball by taking wickets from her first two international deliveries. Her figures of 2/7 in the second match provided another valuable contribution to India’s performance.
The two appearances highlighted different aspects of her all-round abilities.
While her debut innings showed patience and composure, her bowling performance demonstrated her ability to make an immediate impact.
A Memorable Start to Niki Prasad’s International Career
Prasad’s introduction to senior international cricket has included two significant performances against Zimbabwe.
She first helped India recover from 19/4 with an unbeaten 39 in the opening T20I.
Her partnership with Deepti Sharma was essential to India’s four-wicket victory.
Can Niki Prasad Earn a Regular Place in India Women’s Team?
Competition for places in India’s national teams remains intense, with several talented players waiting for opportunities. For younger cricketers, making an impact during limited appearances can be important in earning the confidence of the team management.
Prasad has demonstrated that ability against Zimbabwe.
Her unbeaten 39 showed she could respond under batting pressure, while her two wickets in successive deliveries highlighted her potential as an off-spinner. She has also contributed through energetic fielding and reliable catching.
Whether Prasad features in the remaining match against Zimbabwe is uncertain, but her performances have given the selectors another option to consider.
South Africa Tour and Women’s Champions Trophy Could Offer Further Opportunities
India’s upcoming tour of South Africa could provide Prasad with another chance to establish herself in the senior squad. If selected, consistent performances would strengthen her case for a longer-term role in the team.
The inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 2027, is another potential target.
Prasad’s ability to contribute in multiple departments could make her a useful option as India prepare for future international competitions. For now, her first two appearances have provided an encouraging start.
With an unbeaten 39 on debut, two wickets from her first two international deliveries and impressive fielding contributions, Prasad has shown that she is prepared to take advantage of the opportunities available to her.
