Shafali Verma struck a blistering half-century as India Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by nine wickets in the second T20I at Raipur, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
India Women produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe Women by nine wickets in the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on October 18.
After Zimbabwe posted 102/8 in their 20 overs, India raced to 104/1 in just 8.5 overs to secure a comprehensive victory with 67 balls to spare. The result gave India an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
Zimbabwe struggle to build a competitive total
Zimbabwe Women elected to bat first but struggled to establish momentum against India's disciplined bowling attack. The visitors managed only 20/1 during the powerplay, with India's bowlers keeping the scoring rate under control.
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano top-scored with 34 off 32 balls, striking five boundaries, while captain Josephine Nkomo contributed 27 from 35 deliveries. Their efforts provided some resistance, but Zimbabwe lost wickets regularly and failed to produce a substantial partnership.
Sharne Mayers scored nine, while Beloved Biza managed seven as the visitors found scoring difficult against India's varied attack.
Niki Prasad was among the standout performers with the ball, claiming two wickets for just seven runs in two overs. Deepti Sharma and Kranti Gaud also took wickets, while Shree Charani dismissed Michelle Mavunga.
Zimbabwe finished on 102/8, leaving India a target of 103 for victory.
Shafali Verma sets the tone in the chase
India made an emphatic start to their reply, with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana attacking from the outset.
The pair brought up their half-century partnership in just 28 balls, taking India to 52 without loss in 4.3 overs. Their aggressive approach put Zimbabwe's bowlers under immediate pressure and ensured the required run rate never became a concern.
Shafali led the charge with a commanding 55 off 25 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. Her innings gave India the momentum needed to finish the chase quickly.
Mandhana provided excellent support, scoring 47 from 25 deliveries. The Indian captain struck the ball cleanly and maintained the pressure throughout the powerplay.
Shafali was dismissed at 96, but the result was already within reach. Mandhana then completed the chase in style, hitting a six to take India to 104/1 in 8.5 overs.
India seal the series in emphatic fashion
India's nine-wicket win underlined the difference between the two sides on the day. The bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to a modest total before the opening pair dismantled the target with aggressive batting.
Niki Prasad's economical spell was a key contribution in the first innings, while Shafali and Mandhana made the chase one-sided.
The victory gives India a 2–0 lead in the three-match series, ensuring they cannot lose the series. Zimbabwe will look to respond in the third T20I, while India will aim to complete a clean sweep.
Match summary
Match: India Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 2nd T20I
Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Zimbabwe Women: 102/8 in 20 overs
India Women: 104/1 in 8.5 overs
Result: India Women won by nine wickets
Player of the match: To be confirmed from the official scorecard
Key performances
Shafali Verma: 55 off 25 balls
Smriti Mandhana: 47 off 25 balls
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano: 34 off 32 balls
Niki Prasad: 2/7 in 2 overs
