If you blinked during the second Women’s T20I between India and Sri Lanka, you might have missed the entire chase. In just 11.5 overs, India raced down a target of 128—thanks almost entirely to a nuclear explosion of strokeplay from one woman: Shafali Verma.
Her unbeaten 69 off 34 balls wasn’t just a century in waiting—it was a statement. A declaration that the ‘old’ Shafali, the fearless aggressor who once terrorized bowlers from Sydney to Sharjah, is back. And if this Shafali Verma 2nd T20I masterclass is any indication, India’s top order just regained its most dangerous weapon ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Table of Contents
- Shafali Verma 2nd T20I: The Innings That Ended the Match in 12 Overs
- Spin Triumvirate: How India’s Spinners Strangled Sri Lanka
- Why This Win Matters Beyond the Series Lead
- Shafali’s Comeback Journey: From Form Slip to Firestarter
- What This Means for the Final T20I and World Cup Prep
- Conclusion
- Sources
Shafali Verma 2nd T20I: The Innings That Ended the Match in 12 Overs
Chasing 128 may not seem daunting, but when you do it in under 12 overs, it’s pure domination. Opening with Smriti Mandhana, Shafali didn’t just attack—she annihilated.
From ball one, she targeted the arc between long-on and deep midwicket, launching sixes with that signature high elbow and minimal footwork. She struck 10 boundaries
What made it more impressive was her control. Not a single mis-hit. Not one reckless hoick. Every boundary was intentional, calculated, surgical. By the time Mandhana fell for 19, the game was already over. Shafali finished it off with Yastika Bhatia, sealing victory before the 12th over was done . While Shafali lit the fuse, India’s spinners had already set the stage. Sri Lanka’s innings never gained momentum, crumbling to 127/9 in 20 overs—though it felt far lower given how softly they hit the ball. The trio of Sneh Rana, Shree Charani (the new-ball spinner), and debutant Vaishnavi Sharma strangled the middle order with relentless accuracy: Together, they conceded just 64 runs in 12 overs—a suffocating display that left Sri Lanka with no platform for acceleration . This isn’t just winning; it’s blueprinting for subcontinental conditions in future ICC events. Yes, India now leads the series 2-0 with one match to go. But the real significance lies in the balance and depth on display. With Deepti Sharma rested due to a mild fever, the team didn’t miss a beat. Sneh Rana stepped up with both bat and ball, while young Vaishnavi announced herself on debut. More crucially, Shafali’s form solves a long-standing puzzle: Who opens with Smriti when Jemimah Rodrigues is unavailable or in a different role? This win shows India can dominate without relying on their usual stars—a hallmark of a truly world-class side. Let’s be honest: Shafali’s last 12 months have been inconsistent. Dropped from the Test side, inconsistent in ODIs, and often looking tentative in T20s, many wondered if she’d lost her edge. But this innings? It’s the spark India needed. Her fearless intent—something that made her the youngest Indian to score a T20I fifty at just 15—is back. And under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, which encourages individuality, Shafali seems freer than ever. For fans tracking her rise, revisit our [INTERNAL_LINK:shafali-verma-career-milestones]. With the series already won, the third T20I becomes a testing ground. Will India rotate? Will they try Shafali at No. 3? Will Deepti Sharma return? More importantly, this performance sends a message to rivals: India’s white-ball attack is deep, versatile, and explosive. In a World Cup year (2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka), such dominance on home soil builds invaluable confidence. If Shafali maintains this aggression, she could be the X-factor in high-pressure knockout games—just like she was in the 2023 World Cup semi-final. The Shafali Verma 2nd T20I blitz wasn’t just about runs—it was about reclamation. Reclaiming her place as India’s premier power-hitter. Reclaiming the team’s identity as fearless aggressors. And reclaiming momentum ahead of a packed 2026 calendar. Backed by a spin attack that throttled Sri Lanka into submission, this victory was total cricket. And if this is the new normal for India’s women, the rest of the world better take cover.Spin Triumvirate: How India’s Spinners Strangled Sri Lanka
Why This Win Matters Beyond the Series Lead
Shafali’s Comeback Journey: From Form Slip to Firestarter
What This Means for the Final T20I and World Cup Prep
Conclusion
Sources