Shafali Verma Creates History As India Crush Zimbabwe To Clinch T20I Series

Shafali Verma created history during her innings. Photo: BCCI

Shafali Verma had a memorable day against Zimbabwe and she created history as India crushed the visitors by nine wickets to win the second game and clinch the three-match series 2-0. Shafali, India's newly appointed vice-captain, remained unbeaten on 55 off just 25 balls as India chased down the target of 103 in only 8.5 overs with nine wickets in hand. The right-handed batter batted at a strike rate of 220 and hit 4 sixes and six fours in her knock. She and Smriti Mandhana added 96 runs for the first wicket to take India to the cusp of a win.

Shafali created history and achieved a few records during her knock. She is now the only batter in history to score more than 900 T20I runs in a year.

Shafali has scored 922 runs in 2026 thus far. She can etch her name in the record books and become the first-ever woman cricketer to score 1000 T20I runs in a year. She is followed by Laura Wolvaardt, who has scored 824 runs in 2026. Smriti Mandhana is also part of the elite list. The India captain has scored 821 runs this year.

Shafali Verma created history against Zimbabwe. Photo: ACC

Apart from becoming the highest run-scorer in a year, Shafali now holds the record of scoring the most half-centuries in a year. She has scored nine half-centuries and could become the first-ever batter in world cricket to do it 10 times.

Smriti Mandhana sits in the second spot. She scored eight fifties in 2024. Mithali Raj and Natasha Miles share the third spot with seven fifties each.

Following the series win, India are now aiming to register a clean sweep win. The third and final T20I of the series will be played in Raipur on Tuesday (October 20). After the T20I series, the two teams will lock horns in three ODIs. Vadodara will host all three ODIs on October 23, 25 and 28. The matches will start at 2:00 PM IST.

Rishav Narang is an experienced writer with nine years of experience in sports journalism. He extensively writes on cricket and covers live matches, b...