Shafali Verma scores 49-ball 100 at Asian Games

Shafali Verma shattered records by scoring a scintillating 49-ball 100 at the Asian Games semi-final against Bangladesh. The 22-year-old Indian opener reached the milestone in just 49 deliveries, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat in the women’s cricket event at the Asian Games. Shafali's century came in the second semi-final played in Nisshin, where she brought up her historic score with a single off Shorna Akter through the off side.

This remarkable performance was preceded by an unbeaten 40 off just 15 balls against Japan in the quarter-finals. Batting first, Shafali formed a crucial 72-run partnership for the opening wicket with Smriti Mandhana, who contributed 37 runs. After G Kamalini scored only three runs from 10 balls, Shafali continued her assault in tandem with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who added 94 runs for the third wicket.

The duo's partnership pushed India into a commanding position, with Harmanpreet anchoring the innings with a brisk 40 off 33 balls. However, the pressure was on Shafali in the latter stages of her innings as Harmanpreet and Richa Ghosh were dismissed quickly. Despite the challenges, Shafali maintained her focus and secured her landmark century, celebrating with the Indian team.