Shafali Verma’s explosive century propelled India Women to a commanding 195 for four against Bangladesh in the semi-final of the Asian Games cricket competition.
India won the toss and opted to bat first, making an aggressive start before Shafali took control of the innings with a blistering display of power hitting. Her century provided the foundation for India’s imposing total and left Bangladesh facing a demanding chase in the race for a place in the final.
The innings also saw Smriti Mandhana reach a significant milestone in women’s international T20 cricket. She needed only eight runs to move past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates as the leading run-scorer in the format. Bates had 4,758 runs, while Mandhana moved to 4,765.
Mandhana, however, could not stay at the crease for long after reaching the landmark. She attempted a slog sweep against Bangladesh spinner Nahida Akter but found Sobhana Mostary at mid-wicket. Before her dismissal, the India opener had struck a brisk 37 from 19 deliveries, giving her side a strong start.
Her departure did little to slow India’s scoring. Shafali immediately took centre stage, attacking the Bangladesh bowlers with a combination of clean hitting and confident strokeplay. She reached her half-century from just 24 balls, maintaining the momentum established during the opening overs.
Shafali had already produced a fifty against Bangladesh in the semi-final of the Asia Cup, and she again proved difficult to contain. India reached 97 for two after 10 overs, keeping the scoring rate high despite losing wickets.
Gongadi Trisha? No — G. Kamalini was the next batter to depart. After struggling to find the gaps and playing several dot deliveries, Kamalini attempted a slog sweep off Sanjida’s bowling. The shot ended in a catch by Rabeya. She made only three runs from 10 balls.
Shafali continued to attack at the other end. With 15 overs completed, India had moved to 150 for two, with the opener unbeaten on 79 from 38 deliveries. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was providing support, having reached 27 at that stage.
Harmanpreet eventually fell to spinner Rabeya after making 40 from 33 balls. By then, however, India had already established a strong position, with Shafali continuing to accelerate towards three figures.
The landmark arrived in the 19th over. Shafali completed her century as India strengthened its grip on the semi-final and pushed the total towards a formidable finish.
India ultimately reached 195 for four from their 20 overs, leaving Bangladesh a target of 196 to win. The size of the target means Bangladesh will need a disciplined batting effort, with partnerships likely to be crucial if they are to remain in contention.
For India, the innings was built around a combination of early momentum and Shafali’s sustained aggression. Mandhana’s rapid 37, Harmanpreet’s 40 and Shafali’s century ensured that Bangladesh were left with a substantial task in the second innings.
With a place in the final at stake, Bangladesh now face the challenge of chasing a total of 196 in the high-pressure semi-final.
