The first ODI of the three-match series between India Women and Zimbabwe Women is scheduled for Friday, 23 October 2026, at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara . The match is set to begin at 2:00 PM IST (9:30 AM UK time), with the toss taking place at 1:30 PM IST . For viewers in the UK, live coverage will be available on TNT Sports 2 HD, with the broadcast starting at 9:15 AM . This match marks a significant moment as it is the first-ever ODI meeting between the two sides and also begins India's campaign in the new 2025-29 ICC Women's Championship cycle . India enters the series on a high after a 3-0 T20I sweep but will be without fast bowler Renuka Singh, who is ruled out due to not meeting the required bowling volume for the 50-over format; Jintimani Kalita has been named as her replacement . The Indian squad also sees the return of ODI specialists like Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol, while Jemimah Rodrigues remains absent through injury . Smriti Mandhana will lead the side in her first ODI series as full-time captain . Pitch Report, Key Players & Match Preview The pitch at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium is expected to be batting-friendly, with true bounce, good carry, and a quick outfield . While seamers may find some early movement with the new ball, batters should be able to score freely once set, and a first-innings total of 280–320 is considered competitive . India will rely heavily on captain Smriti Mandhana, who has been in phenomenal form, scoring 1,362 runs in 23 ODIs in 2025, and opening partner Shafali Verma, who finished as the top run-scorer in the preceding T20I series . For Zimbabwe, Nyasha Gwanzura is the player to watch; the off-spinning all-rounder picked up four wickets in the T20I series and played a key role in their historic first ODI win against West Indies in September . While India starts as the clear favorite given their home advantage and formidable batting line-up, Zimbabwe will be eager to build on their recent breakthrough and pose a tough challenge .