Shafali Verma Receives Reprimand for Code of Conduct Breach During T20I
Shafali Verma's Conduct Under Scrutiny
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 20: Shafali Verma, a key player for the Indian women's cricket team, has been officially reprimanded for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second T20I match against Zimbabwe held in Raipur on Sunday, as reported by the ICC.
Verma was found to have contravened Article 2.2 of the ICC Code, which addresses the misuse of cricket equipment, clothing, and ground fixtures during international matches.
Alongside the reprimand, Verma has received one demerit point on her disciplinary record, marking her first infraction within a 24-month timeframe.
The incident took place during the 12th over of the match when Verma, frustrated after dropping a catch, threw the ball to the ground.
She acknowledged her mistake and accepted the proposed sanction from G.S. Lakshmi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, which negated the need for a formal hearing.
In the match, India triumphed over Zimbabwe by nine wickets, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a target of 103 runs, India achieved this in just 8.5 overs, with Verma scoring 55 runs off 25 balls and captain Smriti Mandhana contributing an unbeaten 47 runs off 25 balls. The duo formed a formidable opening partnership, adding 96 runs before Verma was dismissed by Beloved Biza.
Zimbabwe, batting first, managed to score 102 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs, with Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano scoring 34 and captain Josephine Nkomo remaining not out at 27. Niki Prasad was the standout bowler for India, taking 2 wickets for just 7 runs in 2 overs.
This victory marked India's 17th T20I win in 2026, setting a new record for the most wins in a calendar year, surpassing their previous best of 16 wins in 2018. The partnership of 96 runs between Mandhana and Verma also marked their ninth 50-plus stand of the year, making them the most successful batting pair in women's T20Is for a single calendar year. They are also the first pair to accumulate over 1,000 runs together in women's T20Is within a year.
In 2026, Shafali has amassed 922 runs in 26 innings, achieving her ninth fifty-plus score of the year, breaking Mandhana's previous record of eight such scores in 2024.