Shafali Verma creates history, surpasses Laura Wolvaardt for major T20I record
Indian cricketer Shafali Verma has set a new record for the most runs scored in a single calendar year in women's T20I cricket. Her performance during the Asian Games helped her surpass South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt's previous record.
Why it matters
This achievement marks a significant milestone in women's cricket, highlighting the rapid growth and competitiveness of the sport globally.
NEW DELHI: Shafali Verma continued her sensational run in T20I cricket in 2026, rewriting another record during India's Asian Games gold-medal clash against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.The India opener became the highest run-scorer in a calendar year in women's T20Is, surpassing South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt. Shafali's 29-ball 48 in the gold-medal match took her tally for the year to 863 runs, moving past Wolvaardt's 824.Shafali's innings at Korogi Sports Park featured three fours and three sixes and came at a strike rate of 165.52. Although she fell short of another half-century, her latest contribution extended a remarkable run in the shortest format.In 24 T20Is in 2026, Shafali has now scored 863 runs at an average of 39.22 and a strike rate of 162.83.
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