Shafali Surpasses Smriti to Become India’s Top Women’s Cricketer for Most 50-Plus Scores in a Calendar Year

New Delhi: The Indian women's cricket team performed brilliantly in the second T20 match against Zimbabwe, winning by nine wickets and taking an unassailable lead in the three-match series. In the match played at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on 18 October, India, bowling first, restricted Zimbabwe to 102 runs. After this, the target was easily achieved due to the stormy batting of Shefali Verma. Shefali played an important role in the team's victory by scoring 55 runs in just 25 balls. With this innings, she left Smriti Mandhana behind in terms of playing most innings of 50 or more runs in a calendar year.

Which record did Shefali hold?

After scoring a half-century against Zimbabwe, Shefali Verma has nine innings of scoring 50 or more runs in the year 2026. With this feat she became the Indian woman cricketer to score the highest score of 50 in a calendar year. Earlier this record was in the name of Smriti Mandhana, who had scored 50 or more runs eight times in 2024. This achievement of Shefali is proof of her excellent form and aggressive batting.

Who are included in the list of records?

Shafali Verma has reached the top in the list of women players who have scored the most 50 scores in a calendar year. According to the available data, Smriti Mandhana is at second place in this list. Former Indian captain Mithali Raj had scored 50 or more runs seven times in 2018. Hong Kong's Natasha Miles has also achieved this feat seven times in 2026.

Highest score of 50 in a calendar year

• 9— Shefali Verma (India), 2026
• 8 — Smriti Mandhana (India), 2024
• 7 — Mithali Raj (India), 2018
• 7 — Natasha Miles (Hong Kong), 2026

How did Shefali make a comeback after being out in the first match?

Shafali was disappointed after getting out early in the first T20 match. She told after the match that due to the way she was out in the last match, she could not even sleep at night. However, she left her disappointment behind and focused on preparing for the next match. According to Shefali, she tried to keep her mind calm and focus on the next day's strategy. Its effect was clearly visible in her batting in the second match.

What did Shefali say after becoming the player of the match?

Shefali Verma was chosen player of the match for her brilliant half-century innings. At the awards ceremony, she said that the shots she is trying to play are succeeding and she is happy with that. She insisted on putting her plan on the ground. Shefali's inning not only led India to a big win but also added an important achievement to her personal record. The team will now try to continue the same performance in the next match of the series.