Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana delivered a dominant batting performance as India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second women’s T20 International in Raipur on October 18. The victory gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with one match remaining.
Chasing a target of 103, India reached 104 for one in just 8.5 overs. Shafali smashed 55 off 25 deliveries, while captain Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47 off 25 balls.
Shafali Verma Leads India’s Aggressive Chase
Shafali set the tone with an explosive innings, combining powerful hitting with aggressive stroke play. She struck boundaries and sixes at regular intervals, putting Zimbabwe’s bowlers under immediate pressure.
The young opener brought up her half-century in just 26 balls, registering her 22nd T20I fifty. Her dismissal came with India needing only a handful of runs to win.
Smriti Mandhana Completes the Job
Mandhana provided excellent support at the other end, matching Shafali’s attacking approach while maintaining her composure. The pair added 96 runs for the opening wicket, effectively ending Zimbabwe’s hopes of defending their total.
Mandhana finished unbeaten on 47 from 25 deliveries and sealed the victory with a six. The win also marked a successful start to her full-time captaincy stint in the series.
Indian Bowlers Restrict Zimbabwe to 102
Earlier, Zimbabwe managed 102 for eight after choosing to bat first. India’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings, restricting the visitors’ scoring opportunities during the powerplay and middle overs.
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano top-scored for Zimbabwe with 34 off 32 balls, while captain Josephine Nkomo remained unbeaten on 27.
Off-spinner Niki Prasad claimed two wickets for just seven runs, helping India prevent Zimbabwe from building a competitive total. Pacer Nandani Sharma also contributed with an early breakthrough.
Niki Prasad Makes an Impact
Niki Prasad played a key role in breaking Zimbabwe’s middle-order resistance. She dismissed Mugeri-Tiripano and then trapped Nyasha Gwanzura leg-before-wicket with consecutive deliveries, briefly putting herself in contention for a hat-trick.
Although the hat-trick did not materialise, her economical spell further strengthened India’s control over the match.
India Seal the Series Ahead of Final T20I
The victory ensured that India won the series with one match still to be played. The third and final T20I is scheduled for October 20, after which the teams will contest a three-match ODI series in Vadodara.
With Shafali in aggressive form, Mandhana contributing consistently and the bowlers delivering a disciplined performance, India will look to carry this momentum into the remaining fixtures.