![Shafali Verma creates new record [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793193069350_ShafaliVermarecord.jpg?type=hq)
Shafali Verma creates new record [Source: AFP]
Shafali Verma has recorded one of the fastest fifties ever produced by Indian women cricketers in women's ODIs.
Achieving the feat against Zimbabwe while playing the third ODI at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Shafali went on firing in a blitzkrieg mode. The batter, who came in at number four after the dismissal of Harleen Deol, slammed her half-century in just 26 deliveries.
Shafali Verma registers joint second-fastest fifty for India in WODIs
Shafali Verma created the record, matching Richa Ghosh's 26-ball half-century in the ODI match against New Zealand back in 2022, while Smriti Mandhana tops the chart with her half-century off just 23 deliveries against Australia in the previous year.
Fastest 50s for India in WODIs (By Balls):
- 23 - Smriti Mandhana vs Australia, Delhi, 2025
- 26 - Richa Ghosh vs New Zealand, Queenstown, 2022
- 26 - Shafali Verma vs Zimbabwe, Vadodara, 2026, Today*
- 29 - Shafali Verma vs Zimbabwe, Vadodara
Known for her ability to accelerate the middle phase of the game, Shafali Verma came in during the ninth over when India was down by two wickets at just 59 runs.
Chasing a scanty target of just 132 runs set by Zimbabwe, India Women chased down the total inside 17 overs, with Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawat remaining unbeaten for the side.
Shafali and Pratika put together a partnership of 74 runs off 50 deliveries, while Zimbabwe bowlers Francisca Chipare, Olinda Chare, and Loryn Phiri remained helpless.
Records that Shafali Verma might break in WODIs
Shafali Verma, one of the rising and prominent talents of the India Women's team, can break multiple records during her time. She can claim her maiden ODI century in the format or also break the fastest ODI century record, given her aggressive ability to swing the bat.
She can also play a role in the highest first- or second-wicket partnership, since she already shares strong records with Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order. Hence, breaking the highest partnership records for India in ODIs is a natural target.
Known for her clean hitting and ability to clear boundaries effortlessly, Shafali, who has slammed 13 sixes and 97 boundaries, can also break the record for the most sixes or boundaries for her country.
