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Indian women's cricket star Shafali Verma has created a new world record in T20 International cricket with a शानदार half-century against Zimbabwe. Her explosive innings in the second T20I helped India secure a nine-wicket victory and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
With this achievement, Shafali has surpassed Indian captain Smriti Mandhana to become the woman batter with the most 50-plus scores in a calendar year in T20 Internationals, according to the statistics provided.
Shafali Verma Sets New T20I World Record With 9 Fifty-Plus Scores
Shafali Verma delivered an outstanding performance against Zimbabwe, scoring 55 runs off just 25 balls. She completed her half-century in only 24 deliveries, putting India in a strong position during the run chase.
With this innings, Shafali registered her ninth 50-plus score in women's T20 International cricket in a single calendar year. She moved ahead of Smriti Mandhana, who recorded eight such scores in 2024.
The record highlights Shafali's consistency and aggressive batting style in the shortest format of international cricket.
Shafali Verma vs Smriti Mandhana: Who Holds the T20I Record?
Shafali Verma has moved to the top of the list of women cricketers with the most 50-plus scores in T20 Internationals in a calendar year. Smriti Mandhana now occupies the second position.
Here is the list of leading players based on the supplied statistics.
| Player | Team | 50-Plus Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | India | 9 |
| Smriti Mandhana | India | 8 |
| Mithali Raj | India | 7 |
| Natasha Miles | Hong Kong | 7 |
India has a strong presence on this list, with Shafali, Smriti and former captain Mithali Raj among the leading performers.
Most 50-Plus Scores in Women's T20Is in a Calendar Year
Shafali's latest achievement puts her ahead of several accomplished international batters. Her ninth 50-plus score sets the benchmark in the supplied list, while Smriti's eight scores in 2024 previously placed her at the top.
The milestone also underlines Shafali's ability to turn good starts into substantial scores and make an impact in important matches.
India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I: India Win by 9 Wickets
India produced a dominant performance in the second T20 International against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe batted first but struggled against India's disciplined bowling attack, managing to score only 102 runs.
India chased the target of 103 runs in just 8.5 overs, losing only one wicket. Shafali Verma led the charge with 55 runs off 25 balls, while Smriti Mandhana remained unbeaten on 47 off 25 deliveries.
The Indian batters attacked from the beginning and ensured that the team reached the target comfortably. The nine-wicket victory gave India an unassailable lead in the series.
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Shafali Verma's Record-Breaking 55 Runs Power India's Big Win
Shafali's quickfire innings was one of the biggest highlights of the match. She scored at an impressive pace and completed her half-century in just 24 balls.
Her 55-run knock helped India finish the chase in less than nine overs. Smriti Mandhana also played an important role with her unbeaten 47, ensuring that India comfortably crossed the finishing line.
The performance combined individual brilliance with a convincing team victory, making the second T20I a memorable occasion for Indian cricket fans.
Smriti Mandhana Leads India to Series Win as Captain
The Zimbabwe series has also been an important milestone for Smriti Mandhana. Following the reported change in India's captaincy, Smriti took charge of the team and guided India to consecutive victories.
India won the first T20 International by four wickets before defeating Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second match. These results gave India a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, ensuring that the team could not lose the series.
The result marked a successful start to Smriti's captaincy in the series, while Shafali's record-breaking performance added another major achievement to India's campaign.
Why Shafali Verma's New T20I World Record Is Special
Shafali's achievement is significant because it reflects her ability to deliver repeated high-scoring performances in T20 International cricket within a single calendar year.
By reaching nine 50-plus scores, she moved past Smriti Mandhana's previous mark of eight, according to the supplied figures. Her aggressive innings against Zimbabwe also helped India complete a comfortable run chase and seal the series.
With this latest milestone, Shafali Verma has strengthened her reputation as one of India's exciting T20 batters, while India's series victory has given the team further momentum.
Key Highlights
- Shafali Verma scored 55 runs off 25 balls against Zimbabwe.
- She completed her half-century in 24 deliveries.
- She recorded nine 50-plus scores in a calendar year, according to the supplied statistics.
- India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second T20I.
- India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
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