Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana Shine as India Beat Zimbabwe by 9 Wickets

RAIPUR, OCT 19 : India produced a dominant performance to defeat Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second women’s T20 International on Sunday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Opener Shafali Verma delivered an explosive performance, smashing 55 runs off just 25 balls, while captain Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47 as India chased down Zimbabwe’s target of 103 in only 8.5 overs, finishing at 104 for one.

The victory also marked a successful start to Mandhana’s full-time captaincy stint, with India sealing the series in emphatic fashion.

Shafali, Mandhana Dominate the Chase

Shafali and Mandhana added 96 runs for the opening wicket, dismantling Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with aggressive strokeplay. Shafali reached her half-century in 26 balls, recording her 22nd T20I fifty, and entertained the crowd with a series of powerful shots.

Off-spinner Beloved Biza was hit for a six as Shafali brought up her milestone, while Michelle Mavunga was punished with three consecutive boundaries — including a six — during a devastating passage of play.

Mandhana complemented her partner’s aggression with an impressive display of her own, striking four consecutive boundaries off pacer Nyasha Gwanzura. She eventually finished the match in style with an inside-out six off Olinder Chare.

Indian Bowlers Restrict Zimbabwe to 102/8

Earlier, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Zimbabwe to 102 for eight in their allotted 20 overs after the visitors elected to bat first.

Pacer Nandani Sharma provided an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Kelis Ndhlovu for a duck. Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum during the Powerplay, managing only 20 runs while losing one wicket.

Beloved Biza departed shortly after the Powerplay, increasing the pressure on the visitors.

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano top-scored with 34 off 32 balls, while captain Josephine Nkomo remained unbeaten on 27. The pair added 45 runs for the fourth wicket, providing Zimbabwe with some stability in the middle overs.

However, off-spinner Niki Prasad broke the partnership by dismissing Tiripano, who was caught behind by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. Prasad finished with impressive figures of two wickets for seven runs and also dismissed Nyasha Gwanzura leg-before-wicket.

India’s collective bowling effort ensured Zimbabwe finished with a modest total, leaving the batters with a straightforward chase.