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Fastest Fifty in Womens Asia Cup History: Indian opener Shafali Verma etched her name in the history books with a blistering batting display during the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final, held at the Dubai International Stadium on September 13. In this title clash against Sri Lanka, the 22-year-old played an explosive innings, scoring 68 runs off just 39 balls. Powered by this knock delivered at a strike rate of 174.36, the Indian team posted a massive total of 183 runs on the board.
Shafali Verma Breaks Mandhana's World Record for Fastest Fifty in Asia Cup History
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Shafali adopted an aggressive approach right from the moment she stepped onto the crease, completing her half-century in just 24 balls. In doing so, she broke the previous world record held by her own opening partner, Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana had scored a fifty off 25 balls also against Sri Lanka during the 2022 Asia Cup final.
Shafali Verma has now become the batter to score the fastest half-century in the history of the Women's Asia Cup and in Women's T20I tournament finals. With this historic feat, she has also surpassed Australian stalwart Alyssa Healy.
Top 5 Fastest Fifties in Women's Asia Cup History
| Player | Balls | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | 24 | Sri Lanka | 2026 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 25 | Sri Lanka | 2022 |
| Richa Ghosh | 26 | UAE | 2024 |
| Shafali Verma | 26 | Nepal | 2024 |
| Shafali Verma | 26 | Thailand | 2026 |
Also Read: When Will India Get the Asia Cup Trophies? Real Reason Behind the Delay
Record-Breaking 129-Run Opening Partnership and Dominant Batting Display
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During this memorable innings, Shafali played shots to all corners of the ground. She smashed 9 magnificent fours and 2 towering sixes. Partnering with Smriti Mandhana at the other end, she forged a strong 129-run opening partnership, laying the foundation for a massive total for the Indian team.
Unprecedented World Record in Women's T20I Cricket
This innings marked the third time in Shafali Verma's career that she completed a T20I half-century in 24 balls or fewer. With this, she has become the first female player in the history of international women's T20I cricket to score a fifty off 24 or fewer balls on three occasions.
Previously, world-renowned stalwarts such as Sophie Devine, Alyssa Healy, Phoebe Litchfield, Laura Wolvaardt, and Smriti Mandhana had achieved this feat twice each.
Most Fifties Scored in 24 or Fewer Balls in Women's T20Is
| Player | Fifties in 24 or Fewer Balls | Balls Played |
|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | 3 | 23, 24, 24 |
| Sophie Devine | 2 | 18, 21 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 2 | 23, 24 |
| Alyssa Healy | 2 | 21, 24 |
| Phoebe Litchfield | 2 | 18, 23 |
| Laura Wolvaardt | 2 | 23, 24 |
Also Read: Mohsin Naqvi vs Indian Cricket: Why Team India Refused Asia Cup Trophy Twice
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