Shafali Verma found herself back in the runs after a poor run of form with a magnificent half-century in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup 2022 match between India and Bangladesh at the Sylhet Cricket Ground on October 8. Verma hit a half-century as part of an outstanding opening partnership with stand-in skipper Smirit Mandhana.
Verma looked at her fluent best after winning the toss and batting first, reminding fans why she is regarded as one of the best young players in the world. The Indian batter put up a 96-run first-wicket stand with Mandhana and scored 55 runs in 44 balls.
Set new world record
By virtue of her splendid effort; she reached a major milestone by completing 1,000 runs in T20I cricket. The 18-year-old set a new world record by becoming the youngest female cricketer to do so. In fact, she broke the record set by teammate Jemimah Rodrigues. Jemimah celebrated her 21st birthday last year at the age of 21 years and 32 days. Meanwhile, Shafali has just completed the milestone in 18 years and 253 days.
Shafali is also the quickest woman to reach the milestone since her T20I debut (3 years, 14 days). She broke Australia’s long-standing record of 3 years, 87 days set by full-time skipper Meg Lanning. She is also the fastest in terms of balls faced to complete 1000 T20I runs, having done so in 735 balls.
When it comes to the match, the Women in Blue scored 159 points. Following the departure of Shafali and Smriti, Jemimah Rodrigues provided the team with a strong finish
with an unbeaten knock of 35 in 24 balls. India has won three games and lost one so far in the tournament.
