Photo via Hindustan Times

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana shine as India beat Zimbabwe by 9 wickets to take unassailable 2-0 series lead

India’s women’s T20I team cemented a commanding 2-0 series lead over Zimbabwe with a dominant nine-wicket victory in the second match. Shafali Verma led the charge, smashing a 55 off 25 balls—her 22nd T20I half-century—and forming a blistering 96-run partnership with skipper Smriti Mandhana (47* not out) to chase down 103 in just 8.5 overs.

Zimbabwe’s innings collapsed early, with opener Kelis Ndhlovu dismissed for a duck and off-spinner Niki Prasad (2/7) and pacer Nandani Sharma dismantling their top order, leaving the tourists stranded on 102 for eight after electing to bat first. Mandhana’s aggressive strokeplay—including four consecutive boundaries and a late inside-out six—highlighted her full-time captaincy debut, while Verma’s explosive start included a six off Beloved Biza to reach her fifty in 26 balls.

Zimbabwe’s best resistance came from Chipo Tiripano (34 off 32) and Josephine Nkomo (27* not out), but India’s bowlers stifled momentum throughout, ensuring a one-sided result.

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