Shafali Verma scripts history, becomes first Indian to hit a fifty at Asian Games

The Indian women’s cricket team faced Malayasia in the first quarter-final of the Asian Games 2023 on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Malaysia won the toss and elected to bowl. India posted 173 runs for the loss of two wickets in 15 overs. The match was interrupted by rain at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field.

3 things you need to know 

• BCCI sent the Indian women’s team to the Asian Games for the first time 
• The Indian women's cricket team took home silver medal during the 2022 Commonwealth Games
• Smriti Mandhana-led team managed 173 runs for the loss of two wickets 

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Shafali Verma became the first Indian to hit a century in the Asian Games 

Smriti Mandhana, who led India as Harmanpreet Kaur is serving a two-match ban, and Shafali Verma got off to a brilliant start. Mandhana contributed with 27 runs off 16 balls, including five boundaries, at a strike rate of 168.75. Verma showed off her skills with an astounding 67 runs off 39 deliveries at a fantastic strike rate of 171.79. She hit four fours and five spectacular sixes. Jemimah Rodrigues scored an astounding 47 runs off of 29 balls, including six boundaries, to stay undefeated. With three boundaries and a six in a rapid 21 runs from just seven balls, Richa Ghosh added firepower. Malaysia were poor in the field as they leaked 11 runs - 10 wides and one no-bll. 

With this inning, Shafali Verma became the first Indian player to hit a fifty in the prestigious tournament. She displayed great batting prowess and stayed unfazed in front of the Malaysian bowlers. 

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How did Shafali’s innings end?

A perfectly put-length delivery by Elysa that landed just outside the off-stump ended Shafali Verma's excellent performance in the 12.6 over. Shafali was lbw after making a snap judgement that led to her being caught in front of the wickets. After scoring 67 runs from 39 balls, she left the crease having proved her mettle with four boundaries and amazing five sixes in her innings.