Shafali Verma scripted with ninth 50-over score as India beat Zimbabwe to seal T20I series
History of Shafali Verma’s scripts (Image: BCCI/X) Shafali Verma continued her prolific run in the Women’s T20 Internationals as she smashed a 25-ball 55 as India beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second T20I to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series on Sunday.The Indian opener set a new benchmark for the most 50+ scores per bat in a calendar year in women’s T20Is, recording her ninth such innings in 2026. She surpassed Smriti Mandhana, who scored eight 50+ scores in 2024, while Hong Kong’s Mithali Raj and Natasha Miles, 228, have seven and eight respectively.Shafali’s latest half-century, her 22nd in T20Is, came as India chased down Zimbabwe’s modest target of 103 in just 8.5 overs after restricting the visitors to 102/8.
A maximum of 50 or more points in a calendar year
- 9 – Shafali Verma (IND-W) in 2026
- 8 – Smriti Mandhana (IND-W) in 2024
- 7 – Mithali Raj (IND-W) in 2018
- 7 – Natasha Miles (HKG-W) in 2026
The Shafali-Mandhana partnership contributes to a record year
Shafali and skipper Smriti Mandhana combined to cut short the chase and shared a 96-run opening partnership that put India in firm control. Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47 while Shafali’s aggressive knock featured sixes and boundaries that left the Zimbabwean bowlers scrambling for answers.The stand also extended the pair’s remarkable record to 2026. Shafali and Mandhana have now registered nine 50-plus partnerships in women’s T20Is this calendar year, the most by any pair. They surpassed their own tally of seven such stands in 2024, moving ahead of Hong Kong’s Yasmin Daswani and Natasha Miles, who have eight in 2026.
Most 50+ runs in a calendar year in Women’s T20Is (any wicket)
- 9 – Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma (IND-W) in 2026
- 8 – Yasmin Daswani, Natasha Miles (HKG-W) in 2026
- 7 – Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma (IND-W) in 2024
Shafali reached her half-century in 26 balls, spinning for a six against the beloved Biz outside off. She also punished Michelle Mavunga with three consecutive deliveries that brought four, four and six. Meanwhile, Mandhana hit four consecutive boundaries against pacer Nyash Gwanzura before completing the chase with a six off Olinder Chare.The win also ensured Mandhana’s winning streak at the start of her full captaincy stint.
Indian bowlers restrict Zimbabwe to 102/8
Earlier, the Indian bowlers put in a disciplined performance to prevent Zimbabwe from gaining momentum after the visitors opted to bat first. Nandani Sharma dismissed opener Kelise Ndhlova for a duck and Zimbabwe managed just 20 runs in the over. Beloved Biza left soon after, leaving the guests under pressure.Chipo Tiripano top-scored with 34 off 32 balls, while skipper Josephine Nkomo remained unbeaten on 27. The pair added 45 runs for the fourth wicket, giving Zimbabwe their most productive phase of the innings.However, Niki Prasad broke the deadlock by having Tiripana caught out by keeper Richa Ghosh. Prasad later trapped Nyasha Gwanzura leg before finishing with figures of 2/7 to leave Zimbabwe restricted to 102/8.A commanding Indian chase, fueled by Shafali’s record-breaking half-century and her prolific partnership with Mandhana, ensured the hosts clinched the series with one match remaining.