Shafali Verma ran riot with the bat and belted 133 runs off 64 balls for North Zone in Women’s Inter Zonal One Day Trophy match against North East Zone on February 5, Monday.
Leading from the front Shafali Verma, who represents Delhi Capitals in Women's Premier League (WPL), displayed her batting prowess by smashing an impressive tally of 10 boundaries and nine sixes during her lightning knock. In a change from her usual opening role, Shafali gracefully adapted to her new position at no. 5 and significantly contributed to the team's total of 356/6. Amanjot Kaur also played a crucial role by contributing 92 runs from 86 balls.
Shafali Verma scripts history
Notably, Shafali's century is the fastest ever ton smashed by an Indian women's player in List A cricket. However, the fastest century in women's ODIs still belongs to Nat Sciver-Brunt, who achieved the milestone in 66 balls, albeit at a slightly slower pace than Shafali.
Shafali's Return to Form
This exceptional performance by Shafali comes at a critical juncture in her career, especially since she had been facing challenges in finding her form. With the WPL 2024 fast approaching, her century has certainly bolstered her confidence and standing. Prior to this, her performances in white-ball cricket had not been as impressive. In her previous five ODIs, she managed scores of 1, 8, 0, 4, and 1, while in T20Is, her records showed scores of 0, 6, 64, 1, and 26.
Meanwhile, in the West Zone versus Central Zone clash, Yastika Bhatia continued to display her aggressive batting style by accumulating a valuable 62 runs from 60 deliveries. Jemimah Rodrigues added to the excitement with a remarkable century, amassing 100 runs from 86 balls. However, Central Zone's Poonam Yadav seized the limelight with an outstanding bowling performance, claiming 6 wickets while conceding only 48 runs in her 10 overs (10-0-48-6). Despite Poonam Yadav's heroics, West Zone managed to put up a competitive total of 281/8.
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