India opener Shafali Verma reprimanded for Code of Conduct breach in 2nd T20I vs Zimbabwe

New Delhi: Opener has been officially reprimanded by the for a Code of Conduct breach during India’s victory in the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur. The Indian vice-captain was handed one demerit point for throwing the ball onto the ground after dropping a catch in Sunday’s clash, where the Women in Blue clinched the series with a game to spare.

The incident happened in the 12th over of the Zimbabwean innings when Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano played a lofted shot towards mid-off off Shree Charani’s delivery. Shafali, who was standing there, dropped the catching opportunity before the ball hit her jaw. She then threw the ball onto the ground in anger and frustration.

“India’s Shafali Verma was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match,” ICC said in a statement.

Shafali has accepted the sanction imposed by match referee GS Lakshmi, and there was no need for a formal hearing. The demerit point marks Shafali’s first offence in 24 months.

India secure T20I series vs Zimbabwe

Shafali Verma hit a brilliant half-century as India beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second women’s T20I, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on October 18.

The Indian bowlers restricted the visitors to 102/8 after they elected to bat first. Shafali and skipper Smriti Mandhana forged a ninth 50-plus partnership in 2026, which is a joint record in women’s T20I in a calendar year. With this win, Mandhana also started her tenure as full-time captain with a series victory. The third and final T20I of the series will be played on October 20 at the same venue.