India beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets in Raipur on October 18 to secure the three-match women's Twenty20 international series. The hosts took an unbeatable 2-0 lead, giving Smriti Mandhana a series victory at the start of her tenure as full-time T20I captain.

Zimbabwe made 102 for eight wickets in their 20 overs after choosing to bat first. India reached 104 for one in 8.5 overs, with Mandhana finishing unbeaten on 47.

Verma and Mandhana lead the chase

India opener Shafali Verma scored 55 from 25 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. She and Mandhana added 96 runs for the opening wicket, putting India close to the target.

The partnership took just 47 balls, according to the IANS news agency. Mandhana completed the chase with a six, leaving one match still to play in the series.

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Reports differed on whether Verma was dismissed or finished unbeaten, and whether she reached her half-century in 24 or 26 balls. They agreed on her final score of 55 from 25 deliveries.

Zimbabwe struggle to build a total

Zimbabwe scored only 20 runs for the loss of one wicket during the opening six-over powerplay. They then slipped to 30 for three before Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and captain Josephine Nkomo added 45 for the fourth wicket.

Mugeri-Tiripano scored 34 and Nkomo remained unbeaten on 27, Asianet News reported. Their partnership helped Zimbabwe reach three figures, but the total left India needing 103 to win.

Nkomo said India's batting had provided a learning experience for her team. Speaking after the match, she identified Zimbabwe's slow start in the powerplay as a key difference and said they needed a stronger foundation in the next game.

India add records before series finale

Verma and Mandhana became the first pair to score more than 1,000 runs together in women's T20 internationals within a calendar year. The milestone covers partnerships for any wicket.

Verma took her 2026 tally to 922 runs. Her innings was her ninth score of 50 or more this year, a women's T20I calendar-year record, according to Asianet News.

The outlet also reported that India recorded their 17th T20I victory of 2026, exceeding their previous annual best of 16 in 2018. The third and final match is scheduled for October 20 in Raipur.