Shafali Verma Smashes Calendar-Year Record as India Seal T20I Series Against Zimbabwe

Shafali Verma has etched her name into the record books. The Indian opener smashed 55 off just 25 balls as India crushed Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second women's T20I in Raipur, wrapping up the three-match series with a game to spare.

The half-century was Shafali's ninth 50-plus score in women's T20 internationals in 2026 — the first time any batter has reached that mark in a single calendar year. She moved clear of Smriti Mandhana, who managed eight such innings in 2024.

Chase wrapped up in a hurry

Zimbabwe could only muster 102 for 8, and India's openers turned the chase into a sprint. Shafali's fireworks — including a sequence of four, four and six off successive balls — meant the target was hunted down in just 8.5 overs. India now lead the series 2-0 with the final T20I still to play.

A landmark year keeps getting better

This was Shafali's 22nd T20I half-century overall, and her ninth fifty-plus knock of 2026 put her ahead of not just Mandhana but also Mithali Raj's seven in 2018. Few batters in the women's game have enjoyed a year quite like it.

Source: ABP Live / Sports wires