The dynamic Shafali Verma delivered a record-breaking performance in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy Quarter-Final against Bengal, scoring a powerful 197. This knock marks her best-ever score in List A cricket and saw her register the fastest hundred in the tournament’s history.
The match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground C in Rajkot saw Haryana, led by Shafali, take on Bengal after the latter elected to field first. Coming into the game, Shafali had a point to prove, having been dropped from the Indian team for their ODI series against Australia earlier this month and omitted from the home series against the West Indies from both ODIs and T20Is squads.
Opening the innings alongside Reema Sisodia, Shafali set the tone early with an aggressive approach. She dominated the powerplay with a flurry of boundaries, asserting her presence on the field. The duo assembled a mammoth 173-run partnership before T Sarkar broke the partnership by dismissing Sisodia for a well-made 58.
Unfazed, Shafali continued to accelerate, smashing boundaries and clearing the ropes with ease. Her scintillating innings featured 22 fours and 11 sixes, culminating in a breathtaking 197 off just 115 balls at an incredible strike rate of 173. Her commanding presence at the crease included an 88-run partnership with Triveni Vasistha before she fell agonizingly short of a double century.
Haryana posted a towering total of 389 in their innings, with Shafali’s remarkable 197 being the cornerstone of their success. Her innings not only highlighted her ability to bounce back from setbacks but also sent a strong message to selectors about her readiness for a national comeback.
Shafali’s form was nothing short of sensational, and this innings is likely to reignite discussions about her inclusion in India’s national setup. With such a commanding performance, she has once again proved her mettle as one of the most exciting talents in women’s cricket.
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