IND-W v ZIM-W: Niki Prasad grabs her opportunity with both hands
India have sealed the ongoing three-match Women’s T20I series against Zimbabwe with a comprehensive nine-wicket win in the second game in Raipur. It was a much-improved all-round performance from the hosts compared to the series opener, when they came under pressure before eventually registering a four-wicket victory.
However, across both wins, one of the biggest positives for India has been 20-year-old Niki Prasad. In her first two international appearances, the youngster has grabbed both opportunities with both hands.
In the first game, India were in trouble at 19/4 while chasing a modest target of 115 when Niki walked in to bat. She showcased maturity and composure, stitching together an 82-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Deepti Sharma to stage a recovery. Niki, eventually, remained unbeaten on 39, helping India cross the finish line.
However, skipper Smriti Mandhana did not utilise Niki’s off-spin in that game, leaving fans surprised, especially considering the youngster’s recent form with the ball. Playing for India A, she claimed nine wickets across three matches in the Australia A series, including a four-wicket haul. She followed that up with seven wickets in the only unofficial Test, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. She also chipped in with two wickets in the T20Is.
In the second game, Mandhana finally brought Niki into the attack in the 15th over, with Zimbabwe at 75/3. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, who had enjoyed a few slices of luck, was the set batter on 34. But Niki was ready for her moment. She struck with her first ball in international cricket, dismissing Mugeri-Tiripano to provide a much-needed breakthrough. Off the very next delivery, she removed Nyasha Gwanzura for a golden duck, suddenly finding herself on a hat-trick.
The hat-trick did not come, but the youngster had already made her mark. When Mandhana finally handed her the ball, Niki responded with two wickets in successive deliveries. Her fielding deserves a separate mention. In both games, Niki has been electric, displaying superb energy and making some fantastic stops, whether inside the circle or along the boundary. Her movement and diving efforts have also highlighted the fitness levels she is currently maintaining.
Her catching has been equally impressive. The way she ran in from the boundary, dived forward and took a clean catch to dismiss Michelle Mavunga left the crowd in awe. She had almost pulled off a similar catch in the first game, but replays confirmed that the ball touched the ground, ruling the dismissal out.
Two matches into the series, and Niki has ticked all the boxes with the bat, ball and in the field. Undoubtedly, she has been one of India’s biggest positives in the series. More importantly, her performances underline a quality every player needs to develop: making the most of every opportunity that comes their way.
Indian cricket, both men’s and women’s, is not short of talent. There are plenty of players waiting for that one opportunity to wear the national jersey and prove that they belong at the highest level. Consistent chances can be hard to come by, particularly in the early stages of a career. But, as Niki has shown, making an impact when opportunities arise can help a player earn the management’s trust and strengthen their case for a regular place in the side.
Niki is currently playing the lower-middle-order role that Bharti Fulmali occupied before this series. From the start of this year until the recent Asian Games, Bharti batted 11 times, scoring 89 runs at an average of 12.71 and at a strike rate of 103.48, with a highest score of 40. Despite being primarily a batting option, she struggled to make a significant impact. Her fielding also left room for improvement.
The point is not to compare the two players in isolation, but to underline how important it is to seize opportunities when they arrive. Every player needs to be ready, and Niki has done exactly that in this series.
Before the first game, when Mandhana presented Niki with her India cap, the BCCI shared a video of the moment on its social media platforms. The skipper told her: “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.”
Niki seems to have taken those words to heart. Whether she gets another game in the series remains to be seen, but her performances have certainly given the management plenty to think about ahead of the upcoming South Africa tour.
If she gets that opportunity and continues to deliver, she could establish herself as a valuable option for India in the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 2027. For now, though, Niki has already made one thing clear: when the opportunity comes, she is ready to make it count.
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