Photo via The Times of India

Shafali scripts history with ninth 50-plus score as India thrash Zimbabwe

Shafali Verma made history in women’s T20 cricket by recording her ninth half-century of 2026, surpassing Smriti Mandhana’s previous record of eight in a single calendar year. Her aggressive 55 off 25 balls anchored India’s chase as they dismantled Zimbabwe’s 103-run target in just 8.5 overs, securing a commanding 2-0 series lead in the three-match T20I series.

The opener’s 22nd T20I fifty also marked her fastest half-century of the year, with explosive strokes against Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including a six off Beloved Biza and three consecutive boundaries off Michelle Mavunga. Mandhana, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 47, and the duo’s 96-run opening stand set a new benchmark for partnerships in 2026, with nine 50-plus stands—exceeding their own 2024 record and surpassing Hong Kong’s Yasmin Daswani and Natasha Miles.

India’s bowlers, led by Nandani Sharma and Niki Prasad, stifled Zimbabwe early, restricting them to 20 runs in the powerplay before Chipo Tiripano’s 34 and Josephine Nkomo’s 27 provided brief resistance. The victory also marked Mandhana’s first series win as full-time captain, capping a dominant performance by India’s top order.

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Shafali Verma breaks Smriti Mandhana's record of most fifty-plus scores in a calendar year