Shafali Verma scripts history with ninth 50-plus score as India thrash Zimbabwe to seal T20I series

Shafali Verma continued her prolific run in women’s T20 internationals, smashing a 25-ball 55 as India thrashed 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-plus scores by a batter in a calendar year in women’s T20Is, registering her ninth such innings in 2026. She moved past Smriti Mandhana, who recorded eight 50-plus scores in 2024, while Mithali Raj and Hong Kong’s Natasha Miles have seven and eight, respectively, in 2018 and 2026.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.

Most 50-plus scores in a calendar year

Shafali-Mandhana partnership adds to record year

Shafali and captain Smriti Mandhana combined to make short work of the chase, sharing a 96-run opening partnership that put India firmly in control. Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47, while Shafali’s aggressive knock featured sixes and boundaries that left Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggling for answers.The stand also extended the pair’s remarkable record in 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 and moved ahead of Hong Kong’s Yasmin Daswani and Natasha Miles, who have eight in 2026.

Most 50-plus stands in a calendar year in Women’s T20Is (any wicket)

Shafali reached her half-century in 26 balls, taking on off-spinner Beloved Biza for a six. She also punished Michelle Mavunga with three consecutive deliveries yielding four, four and six. Mandhana, meanwhile, struck four successive boundaries against pacer Nyasha Gwanzura before finishing the chase with an inside-out six off Olinder Chare.The victory also gave Mandhana a series win at the start of her full-time captaincy stint.

India’s bowlers restrict Zimbabwe to 102/8

Earlier, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to prevent Zimbabwe from building momentum after the visitors opted to bat first. Nandani Sharma dismissed opener Kelis Ndhlovu for a duck, and Zimbabwe managed only 20 runs in the powerplay. Beloved Biza departed soon after, leaving the visitors under pressure.

Chipo Tiripano top-scored with 34 off 32 balls, while captain Josephine Nkomo remained unbeaten on 27. The pair added 45 runs for the fourth wicket, providing Zimbabwe with their most productive phase of the innings.However, off-spinner Niki Prasad broke the stand by having Tiripano caught behind by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. Prasad later trapped Nyasha Gwanzura leg-before to finish with figures of 2/7 and leave Zimbabwe restricted to 102/8.India’s commanding chase, powered by Shafali’s record-setting half-century and her prolific partnership with Mandhana, ensured the hosts secured the series with one match remaining.