Shafali Verma smashes fastest fifty in final, breaks Mandhana's record

India's aggressive opener Shafali Verma set a new record in the final of the 2026 Women's T20 Asia Cup against Sri Lanka. In the title clash in Dubai, Shafali struck fours and sixes to all parts of the ground to complete her fifty in just 24 balls. She reached her 21st T20 International half-century with a boundary off Kavisha Dilhari.

With this fifty, Shafali Verma became the batter with the fastest fifty in the history of the Women's T20 Asia Cup. She broke the record of her own teammate Smriti Mandhana, who had scored a fifty in 25 balls against Sri Lanka in Sylhet in 2022. Notably, Smriti Mandhana was batting alongside Shafali in this match, meaning Shafali set the record in her presence.

Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma are jointly third on this list, both having scored fifties in 26 balls on two occasions each. Shafali Verma is in excellent form with both bat and ball, and has been contributing consistently for the Indian women's team.

The list of fastest fifties in the Women's T20 Asia Cup reads as follows: Shafali Verma (India) in 24 balls vs Sri Lanka, Dubai (2026); Smriti Mandhana (India) in 25 balls vs Sri Lanka, Sylhet (2022); Richa Ghosh (India) in 26 balls vs UAE, Dambulla (2024); Shafali Verma (India) in 26 balls vs Nepal, Dambulla (2024); and Shafali Verma (India) in 26 balls vs Thailand, Dubai (2026).

Another major record was set in this match. The pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma jointly took the top spot for the most century partnerships for any wicket in Women's T20 International cricket. Mandhana and Shafali have now put together six century stands, equalling the record held by UAE's Esha Oza and Theertha Satish.

India won the toss and chose to bat first, after which Shafali Verma's blistering innings made the final memorable.