India's Niki Prasad made an immediate impact with the ball in her early international career, claiming two wickets from her first two deliveries in T20 International cricket during the second match against Zimbabwe Women in Raipur on October 18, 2026.
The right-arm off-spinner entered the attack during Zimbabwe's innings and struck with her very first delivery. She followed it up by dismissing another batter on the next ball, producing a remarkable start to her international wicket-taking record.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Niki Prasad took wickets with the first two deliveries of her T20I career.
Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.
Authority/Organisation: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), International Cricket Council (ICC).
Action Taken: Prasad dismissed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Nyasha Gwanzura during the second T20I against Zimbabwe Women.
Impact: India won by nine wickets and took an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Prasad joined a select group of three players to have taken wickets with the first two deliveries of their T20I careers. The other players identified in the record are Australia's Michael Kasprowicz and Akshatha Rao of the United States.
Prasad finished with figures of two wickets for seven runs from two overs. Her contribution helped India maintain control over Zimbabwe's innings as the visitors struggled to build a competitive total.
Two Deliveries, Two Wickets
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Individual milestone: Prasad joined a group of only three players identified by the ICC as having taken wickets with the first two deliveries of their T20I careers. Team contribution: Her spell helped India restrict Zimbabwe to 102 for eight. Young talent: Her performances highlight the progress of players moving from Under-19 cricket to the senior national team. Series result: India's nine-wicket victory secured the series with one match remaining. Women's cricket: The achievement adds to the growing visibility of individual milestones in the international women's game.
The milestone came in the 15th over of Zimbabwe's innings. Prasad first dismissed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, who had scored 34 runs, before trapping Nyasha Gwanzura leg before wicket for a golden duck on the following delivery.
The consecutive dismissals interrupted Zimbabwe's progress and gave India another important advantage during the middle overs.
Prasad had made her senior international debut earlier in the same series. In the opening T20I, she scored an unbeaten 39 and shared a crucial partnership with experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma after India had lost several early wickets.
Her contributions with both bat and ball demonstrated the value of a young player who had already gained experience as captain of India's Under-19 women's team.
India Complete a Dominant Nine-Wicket Victory
Zimbabwe were restricted to 102 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Prasad's two wickets were among the contributions that prevented the visitors from establishing a stronger total.
India's chase was led by an aggressive batting performance from Shafali Verma, who scored 55 runs from 25 deliveries. Smriti Mandhana also contributed an unbeaten 47, and India reached the target in just 8.5 overs.
The nine-wicket victory gave India a 2–0 lead in the three-match series, making the series outcome secure before the final match.
India had won the opening T20I by four wickets, recovering from a difficult position through a partnership between Deepti Sharma and Prasad. The second match further strengthened the team's position in the series.
From Under-19 Captain to Senior International Cricket
Prasad previously captained India to the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup title in 2025. That experience provided an early indication of her leadership ability and potential within India's women's cricket system.
Her performances against Zimbabwe have added to the attention surrounding her transition into the senior national team. The opening match showcased her batting under pressure, while the second gave her an opportunity to make an impact with her off-spin.
Although one strong performance cannot determine a player's long-term international career, the combination of contributions in consecutive matches gives India another promising option as the team develops its resources across batting and bowling.
Prasad's progress will depend on continued performance, fitness, consistency and the opportunities she receives in future matches.
What the Record Means
Taking wickets from the first two deliveries of a T20I career is an uncommon achievement. It requires immediate effectiveness against international batters, with no extended period to settle into the format.
Prasad's feat is notable not only because of the consecutive dismissals but also because she contributed to a team victory that secured the series for India.
The record should be distinguished from taking two wickets on the first two balls of a single over at any stage of a player's career. In Prasad's case, the significance lies in taking wickets from the first two deliveries of her T20I career.
Her achievement adds another memorable moment to India's series against Zimbabwe and gives selectors and supporters further evidence of the depth emerging in the women's game.
