Shafali Verma bludgeoned a whirlwind 55 off just 25 balls as India crushed Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second women’s T20I in Raipur on Sunday, sealing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The outcome was effectively decided once India’s bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to a modest 102 for eight after the visitors opted to bat first.
Chasing 103 for victory, India cruised to 104 for one in a mere 8.5 overs, with Shafali and captain Smriti Mandhana (47 not out) producing a dazzling opening stand of 96 runs that flattened the inexperienced tourists. The emphatic win also ensured Mandhana began her full-time captaincy stint with a series triumph.
Shafali brought up her fifty in 26 balls by launching off-spinner Beloved Biza for a six, marking her 22nd half-century in T20Is. Pacer Michelle Mavunga bore the brunt of her aggression, conceding 4, 4 and 6 in successive deliveries as the Indian opener raced away.
Mandhana was equally fluent, carving four boundaries in a row off pacer Nyasha Gwanzura in a show of sublime touch. She fittingly applied the finishing touches, hoisting Olinder Chare over the in-field with an elegant inside-out six to end the contest.
Earlier, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined collective performance that never allowed Zimbabwe’s innings to gather momentum. Pacer Nandani Sharma castled opener Kelis Ndhlovu for an 11-ball duck, and the African side managed just 20 runs in the powerplay while losing their opener. Biza fell two balls after the field restrictions ended, deepening the visitors’ troubles.
Zimbabwe’s only real resistance came from skipper Josephine Nkomo (27 not out) and Chipo Tiripano (34), who stitched together a 45-run fourth-wicket partnership, the best phase of their innings. The duo collected seven boundaries and helped the side add 56 runs in the middle overs from seven to 15.
However, off-spinner Niki Prasad (2/7) broke the stand by inducing an edge from Tiripano, with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh completing a simple catch. Prasad then trapped Gwanzura in front of the wicket to come within touching distance of a hat-trick, though the rare feat eluded her.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe 102 for 8 in 20 overs (Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 34, Josephine Nkomo 27 not out; Niki Prasad 2/7) lost to India 104 for 1 in 8.5 overs (Shafali Verma 55, Smriti Mandhana 47 not out; Beloved Biza 1/9) by nine wickets.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/10/19/shafali-smriti-shine-as-india-rout-zim/
Category: SPORTS
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Publish Date: 2026-10-19 07:22:00
