Shafali Verma script history, becomes youngest and fastest to 3000 T20I runs for women

Shafali Verma added two milestones to an already remarkable young career on Saturday, September 5, becoming the youngest and fastest batsman to reach 3,000 runs in women’s T20Is. The Indian opener achieved the milestone during the Women’s Asia Cup Group A match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, breaking two records in the process.

At 22 years and 220 days, Shafali comfortably surpassed Ireland’s Gaby Lewis, who was 24 years and 347 days to reach 3,000 T20I runs. The Indian also completed the milestone in just 2,182 balls, beating Australian great Alyssa Healy’s previous record of 2,321 deliveries.

India vs Pakistan Women’s Asia Cup: Highlights | Scorecard

Shafali, who made her T20I debut for India in 2019 at the age of 15, is now the third Indian after Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana to surpass 3000 runs in the format. Her career was defined by an attacking style that made her one of the most devastating openers in women’s cricket. Although she is only 22 years old, she has already gained considerable experience at the international level.

Youngest to 3000 runs in Women’s T20Is

Shafali Verma (India) – 22 years, 220 days
Gaby Lewis (Ireland) – 24 years, 347 days
Esha Oz (UAE) – 27 years, 139 days
Smriti Mandhana (India) – 27 years, 171 days
Hayley Matthews (West Indies) – 27 years, 347 days

SHAFALI’S GENDER START, INDIAN LABEL

Shafali reached the milestone in typically explosive fashion. She started India’s chase with a six off Sadia Iqbal first delivery before picking up a single off the next ball to complete her 3000 T20I runs. She added another single before Fatima Sana came into the attack and struck almost immediately.

Shafali smashed a short, wide delivery for four but was dismissed two balls later, caught and dropped for 12 off six balls, with a four and a six.

Nevertheless, her short cameos set the tone for the Indian chase. Pakistan were earlier bowled out for just 55 in 18.1 overstheir lowest ever total in Women’s T20Is. Indian spinners Sree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed three wickets each while Deepti Sharma took two wickets as Pakistan’s innings collapsed after a promising start of 27 not out.

India stumbled slightly in the chase and lost three wickets, but Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma took the team over the line in 8.4 overs to seal a seven-wicket victory with 68 balls to spare.

With the win, India finished top of the group stage table with six points and a net rate of +5.471. They now await their semi-final opponent, with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates vying for the two remaining semi-final spots from Group B.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

05 Sep 2026 23:37 IST