Zimbabwe batted first and managed 102 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. In reply, India chased down the target in just 8.4 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory without facing any significant difficulty.
Shafali Verma Surpasses Smriti Mandhana
Shafali scored 55 runs off just 25 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. With this innings, she achieved a major milestone, becoming the woman batter with the most 50-plus scores in T20 internationals in a single calendar year.
Shafali has now registered nine scores of 50 or more so far this year, surpassing Smriti Mandhana, who previously held the record with eight such scores in a calendar year.
Former India women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj occupies third place on the list, having achieved the feat seven times. Hong Kong’s Natasha Miles ranks fourth.
Mandhana and Shafali Set Another Record With Their Partnership
India did not take long to complete the chase against Zimbabwe. Alongside Shafali’s explosive innings, captain Smriti Mandhana also played an attacking knock that helped India secure the victory.
The two batters combined for a 96-run partnership, taking their total partnership runs in a single calendar year beyond the 1,000-run mark. No other pair has achieved this milestone so far.
Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47 off 25 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. India lost only one wicket, that of Mandhana, during the chase, while Shafali’s innings helped the team reach the target in just 8.4 overs.
The victory gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series, while Shafali’s record-breaking performance added another milestone to her achievements in women’s T20 international cricket.
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