Player of the Match Shafali Verma’s power packed 55 along with Smriti Mandhana’s magical 47* helped India garner a nine wicket win versus Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur during the second women’s T20I.

Indian bowlers dominate during the first 10 overs

The Indian bowlers stamped their authority from the very beginning itself as Kranti Gaud, Nandani Sharma and Deepti Sharma snapped up a wicket each which eventually put India on the front foot. Disciplined lines, clever variations and tremendous pressure did not allow the Zimbabwe batters to free their arms. With three key wickets, the Women in Blue kept the run rate in check. At the 10 overs mark Zimbabwe found themselves at 51/3.

Niki turns the tide with twin strikes…

Niki Prasad was at her best yet again, this time with the ball bagging two back-to-back wickets leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 75/5 in 14.2 overs. She first grabbed the wicket of Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 34(32), who was caught behind by Richa Ghosh. Niki then picked Nyasha Gwanzura who was adjudged LBW. Her timely breakthroughs of (2/7) in her two overs added even more pressure on the visitors.

Lightning in the field, Niki later took a brilliant low catch running in from the deep… diving ahead and grabbing the ball inches away from the ground to send Michelle Mavunga back to the pavilion.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, Zimbabwe was unable to get a big score. Skipper Josephine Nkomo remained unbeaten on 27 till the end as Zimbabwe finished with 102/8 in their 20 overs.

Shafali smashes half ton, Skipper Smriti-Shafali help India seal series

A quick-fire half century from opener Shafali Verma 55(25) which included six fours and four sixes put India in command right from the start. She was ably supported by Smriti at the other end, and together they stitched 96 runs opening stand. Positive intent and approach helped the Women in Blue right through the contest. Skipper Smriti led from the front and remained unbeaten on 47(25) finishing off the Indian innings in style with a six.

India chased down the total, making 104/1 in 8.5 overs winning their 10th consecutive T20I contest.

Brief Scores

Zimbabwe: 102/8 in 20 overs (Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 34; Niki Prasad 2/7) lost to India: 104/1 in 8.5 overs (Shafali Verma 55, Smriti Mandhana 47*; Beloved Biza 1/9) by nine wickets.