Shafali Verma scripts Asian Games history, becomes first cricketer to score century

Shafali Verma smashed her maiden white-ball century to guide India to a strong total of 195/4 in the Asian Games semifinal (Image: IANS)

Shafali Verma scripted history with a sensational century against Bangladesh in the Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket semi-final, becoming the first cricketer to score a hundred in the tournament’s history.The India opener smashed 100 off just 49 balls, powering India to a formidable 195/4 in 20 overs at 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 had made history earlier in the innings, becoming the first Indian woman to hit 100 sixes in T20Is. However, Shafali went past her teammate in the same match, taking her own tally to 104 sixes and becoming India’s leading six-hitter in women’s T20I cricket.

Shafali’s six-hitting spree in 2026

The century further strengthened Shafali’s position among the leading six-hitters in women’s T20Is this year. She has now struck 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 (Balls per six)

• 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 on the calendar-year list behind South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who has 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 Oza (UAE-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 captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 40 off 33 balls.Bangladesh’s wickets were shared by Sanjida Akter Meghla, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khatun, who took one apiece. Bangladesh need 196 runs to reach the gold-medal match against Sri Lanka.