Shafali Verma scripts Asian Games history with maiden century

New Delhi: Indian opener Shafali Verma scripts history at the 2026 Asian Games, becoming the first cricketer to score a century in the history of the continental Games as India storms into the women’s cricket final with a 114-run victory over Bangladesh.

Verma remains unbeaten on 100 off 49 balls in the semi-final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, helping India post 195/4 in 20 overs. Her explosive innings includes nine sixes and three fours.

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The century also makes Verma the first Indian woman to score a hundred in Asian Games cricket and comes in her 118th match for India in the shortest format. Her 49-ball hundred equals Harmanpreet Kaur's record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian woman.

Verma receives strong support from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scores 40 off 33 balls, while Smriti Mandhana contributes 37 off 19. The pair helps India build a commanding total after Bangladesh opts to bowl.

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India's bowlers then complete the job, dismissing Bangladesh for 81 in 15.4 overs. The 114-run win sends the defending champions into the gold-medal match and guarantees India at least a silver medal.

The milestone adds another landmark to Verma's growing T20 record and highlights India's dominant campaign in the women's cricket competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

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