Assam’s Jintimani Kalita Makes ODI debut against Zimbabwe

India and Zimbabwe began their historic first-ever women’s ODI encounter on Friday, with stand-in Zimbabwe captain Nomvelo Sibanda winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Sibanda took charge in the absence of regular captain Josephine Nkomo, who was ruled out due to a minor injury.

The match also marked the ODI debut of Assam cricketer Jintimani Kalita, who received her maiden cap from India captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The seam-bowling all-rounder has previously represented Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023 and 2025.

Kalita was included in the squad as a replacement for Renuka Singh, who is continuing to build up the bowling workload required for the 50-over format, according to the BCCI.

India selected left-arm spinner N Shree Charani ahead of Vaishnavi Sharma, while Deepti Sharma remained another key spin option. Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma also provide additional off-spin options. Maharashtra batter Tejal Hasabnis was included at No. 5 in the absence of Jemimah Rodrigues.

India captain Smriti Mandhana revealed that the Kotambi Stadium pitch was made of red soil, unlike the black-soil surface used during the WPL earlier this year.

The match marks India’s first fixture in the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle, which runs until the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup. It is also India’s first ODI since February 2026 and only their second series since winning their maiden Women’s World Cup title last year.

India Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), N Shree Charani, Jintimani Kalita, Sayali Satghare and Kranti Gaud.

Zimbabwe Playing XI: Beloved Biza, Sharne Mayers, Modester Mupachikwa (wicketkeeper), Chiedza Dhuru, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Michelle Mavunga, Nyasha Gwanzura, Tendai Makusha, Nomvelo Sibanda (captain), Loryn Phiri and Olinder Chare.