Shafali Verma scripts Asian Games history by becoming the first ever cricketer to score a century
Shafali Verma smashed her first century with the white ball to guide India to a strong total of 195/4 in the Asian Games semi-final (Image: IANS) Shafali Verma scripted the script with a sensational century against Bangladesh in the women’s cricket semi-final of the 2026 Asian Games to become the first woman cricketer to score a hundred in the history of the tournament.The Indian opener smashed 100 off just 49 balls to guide India to an impressive 195/4 in 20 overs at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. Her innings featured nine sixes and three fours as India set Bangladesh a target of 196 for a place in the gold medal match.Shafali’s landmark knock came after Smriti Mandhana made history earlier in the innings to become the first Indian woman to hit 100 sixes in T20Is. However, Shafali went past her teammate in the same match to hit 104 sixes to become India’s leading six in women’s T20I cricket.
Shafali’s six-fold spree in 2026
The century further strengthened Shafali’s position among the top six in this year’s Women’s T20I. She has now hit 35 sixes in 2026, the most by any player in a calendar year, surpassing Chamari Athapaththu’s previous record of 32 in 2024.Most sixes in a calendar year in Women’s T20Is (six balls)
- 35 – Shafali Verma in 2026 (14:31)
- 32 – Chamari Athapaththu in 2024 (17.75)
- 25 – Chamari Athapaththu in 2026 (19.84)
- 25 – Harmanpreet Kaur in 2018 (21)
- 21 – Sophie Devine in 2018 (15.62)
- 21 – Sophie Devine in 2020 (18:52)
- 21 – Fatima Sana in 2026 (15.76)
Shafali has also amassed 815 runs in women’s T20Is this year, moving into second place in the calendar year behind South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 824.Most runs in a calendar year in Women’s T20Is
- 824 – Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W) in 2026
- 815 – Shafali Verma (IND-W) in 2026
- 800 – Natasha Miles (HKG-W) in 2026
- 779 – Esha Oz (SAE-W) in 2025
- 779 – Yasmin Daswani (HKG-W) in 2026
- 763 – Smriti Mandhana (IND-W) in 2024
India vs Bangladesh: First Innings Summary
India finished at 195/4 in 20 overs, with Shafali Verma’s 100 off 49 balls leading the way. Smriti Mandhana scored 37 off 18 deliveries while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 40 off 33 balls.Bangladesh wickets were shared by Sanjida Akter Meghla, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khatun who took one each. Bangladesh need 196 runs to reach the gold medal match against Sri Lanka.