CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Raipur. Indian women’s cricket team’s explosive opening batter Shafali Verma created history with a superb half-century in the second T20 International against Zimbabwe. In the match played on Sunday, 18 October, Shafali scored 55 runs off just 25 balls. Powered by her innings, India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series.
Shafali recorded her ninth score of 50 or more in a calendar year in this match. With this, she became the batter with the most scores of 50 or more in a calendar year in women’s T20 International cricket. She went past Smriti Mandhana’s record, which Mandhana had set in 2024 by achieving the feat eight times. It was also Shafali’s 22nd half-century in T20 International cricket.
Zimbabwe, batting first, scored 102 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. The Indian bowlers prevented the opposition from posting a big total. Chasing the target, Shafali and captain Smriti Mandhana gave India an aggressive start, adding 96 runs for the first wicket. Shafali hit six fours and four sixes in her innings, while Smriti Mandhana returned unbeaten on 47 off 25 balls. India reached 104 for one in just 8.5 overs to seal the match.
Shafali and Smriti’s opening partnership also produced a notable record. The pair put together a stand of 50 or more for the ninth time in women’s T20 International cricket in 2026. This is the highest number of such partnerships by any pair in a calendar year. The consistent performances of both batters have played a key role in giving India a decisive lead in the series.
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