Photo via CricTracker

Shafali Verma reveals how she worked on consistency ahead of Zimbabwe T20I series

India vice-captain Shafali Verma explained how dedicating her 2025 off-season to studying Australian batters helped her prioritize consistency, following a match-winning half-century that led India to a nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Raipur on October 18, 2026. Shafali struck 55 runs off 25 deliveries, hitting six boundaries and four maximums, as India overhauled Zimbabwe's total of 102 for 8 in 8.5 overs to secure the series triumph.

The aggressive knock earned Shafali the player of the match award and marked her 22nd T20I half-century, achieved in 26 deliveries when she hit off-spinner Beloved Biza for six. The innings came two days after she managed only four runs in the opening T20I.

Reflecting on the adjustments she implemented prior to the series, Shafali focused on identifying areas for improvement, with consistency emerging as a key priority during her preparation at home.

"In 2025, when I was back at home, I was thinking about what I can improve. Consistency was one of those things and I analysed the Australian batters to see what they were doing to try and improve," Shafali said during the post-match presentation.

Shafali combined with captain Smriti Mandhana for an opening partnership of 96 runs, an effort that made the Indian pair the first batting duo to score more than 1000 runs for any wicket within a single calendar year. Mandhana finished unbeaten on 47 to close out the chase, afterwards highlighting the team's shared attacking mindset.

"Shafali was just doing her thing and I was happy to take singles. And when my chances came, I took them.

That's the brand we want to play," Mandhana said. The skipper also praised the bowling unit for setting up the rapid chase, adding: "It was a good one today.

The bowlers were really on the mark today, and they were much better than the first match. Of course, Deepti, Shree Charani and Niki Prasad came in and took those two wickets."

Zimbabwe's innings earlier in the day featured a 45-run stand for the fourth wicket between Chipo Tiripano, who made 34 off 32 balls, and captain Josephine Nkomo, who contributed an unbeaten 27. Following the loss, Nkomo offered high praise for India's chase, saying: "I thought that was a batting masterclass by the Indian team.

We just stood there and watched. There's quite a bit to learn and the best way is to watch how they batted.

If we can take a leaf out of their book, it'll be really good for us."

This report also draws on coverage from Hindustan Times, ESPN Cricinfo.

Up nextCricket· 15h ago

Shafali Reveals Australian Influence Behind Her Consistency Quest