Shafali Verma penalised for ICC Code of Conduct breach in 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe

Shafali Verma was handed an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during India's second T20I against Zimbabwe after throwing the ball to the ground in frustration.Shafali Verma was handed one demerit point. Courtesy: BCCI WomenNew Delhi,Oct 20, 2026 15:27 ISTIndia opener Shafali Verma has been handed an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the second Women's T20I against Zimbabwe in Raipur on Sunday, October 18. The 22-year-old was penalised after throwing the ball to the ground in frustration following a dropped catch during Zimbabwe's innings.The incident occurred in the 12th over when Shafali dropped Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano at mid-off off the bowling of Sree Charani. Shafali's reaction was deemed a breach of Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.2, which deals with the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing or ground equipment during an international match.Shafali admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by G.S. Lakshmi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Consequently, there was no need for a formal hearing. The demerit point was her first disciplinary offence in a 24-month period.Under the ICC's disciplinary rules, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and can attract a fine of up to 50 per cent of a player's match fee, along with one or two demerit points. Four or more demerit points accumulated within 24 months are converted into suspension points.SHAFALI BOUNCES BACK WITH BAT Despite the disciplinary setback, Shafali enjoyed a memorable outing with the bat in the second T20I, helping India seal the three-match series with a match to spare. The right-handed batter had struggled in the series opener, managing just four runs as Zimbabwe spinner Nyasha Gwanzura troubled the Indian top order and reduced the hosts to 19/4.Shafali responded emphatically in the second match, smashing an unbeaten 55 off just 25 deliveries. Her aggressive innings featured a series of boundaries and sixes as she took the attack to the Zimbabwe bowlers. She also combined with captain Smriti Mandhana, who scored an unbeaten 47 off 25 balls, to put together a match-winning 96-run opening partnership. India restricted Zimbabwe to 102/8 before chasing down the target in just 8.5 overs, registering a commanding nine-wicket victory. The result gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and underlined Shafali's ability to bounce back after an underwhelming performance in the opening game.With the series already secured, India will look to maintain their momentum and complete a clean sweep in the final match. India will look for a 3-0 sweep in the third T20I on Tuesday in Raipur.- Ends