India’s explosive opener Shafali Verma added another remarkable chapter to her already glittering career on Saturday, becoming the youngest player in T20 International history to score 3,000 runs during India’s Women’s Asia Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai.
At just 22 years and 220 days old, Shafali shattered the previous record held by Ireland captain Gaby Lewis, who reached the milestone at the age of 24 years and 347 days. The achievement further cements Shafali’s status as one of the brightest stars in world cricket despite her young age.
The Indian batter reached the landmark during a brief but impactful innings of 12 runs from just six deliveries. While her stay at the crease was short, it proved historic as she surpassed the 3,000-run mark and set multiple records in the process.
Shafali also became the fastest Indian woman to 3,000 T20I runs, reaching the milestone in 113 innings, ahead of Smriti Mandhana’s 122 innings and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 135. However, Australia’s Beth Mooney still holds the overall women’s record, having achieved the feat in 100 innings.
Adding to an already memorable day, Shafali registered another unique world record by becoming the first woman cricketer to hit a six off the first ball of a T20I innings twice, both occasions coming against Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal.
India’s dominant victory ensured that Shafali’s milestone came in a winning cause. Earlier in the match, Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 runs, their lowest-ever total in Women’s T20 International cricket. India then chased down the target comfortably in only 8.4 overs, securing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory.
Shafali’s contribution extended beyond her batting heroics. With the ball, she provided India with an important breakthrough by dismissing opener Muneeba Ali for 13, ending Pakistan’s 27-run opening stand and helping trigger a collapse.
For the young Indian star, it was yet another landmark achievement in a career that continues to flourish at an extraordinary pace. Despite being only 22 years old, Shafali has already amassed 3,000 T20I runs, broken multiple records and established herself as one of the most influential players in women’s cricket.
With age still firmly on her side, the Indian opener appears destined to rewrite many more record books in the years ahead.
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