Canberra: Shafali Verma etched her name into the record books during the second T20I between the India women’s cricket team and Australia at the Manuka Oval, becoming the third Indian batter to complete 2,500 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals.
The milestone came during her brisk 23-ball 29 at the top of the order. With this achievement, Shafali joined an elite list featuring Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur as the only Indian women to cross the 2,500-run mark in the format.
Solid start but dramatic collapse
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, India faced a stiff target of 164 as Australia posted 163/5, powered by a record opening partnership. In response, Shafali and Mandhana gave India a steady start, putting together a fluent opening stand that kept the required rate under control in the initial overs.
However, the chase unravelled dramatically. India were comfortably placed at 65/1 in the ninth over before losing six wickets for just seven runs in a stunning collapse. Australia’s spin duo applied the brakes in the middle overs, turning the game decisively.
Despite the setback, Harmanpreet (30) and Richa Ghosh (19) stitched together a 55-run partnership to revive hopes. But with the asking rate climbing beyond control, risky shots led to further dismissals, and India eventually finished at 144/9, falling short by 19 runs.
Australia’s record opening stand
Australia’s innings was built around a commanding 128-run opening partnership between Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney — the highest opening stand for Australia against India in Women’s T20Is.
Voll was the standout performer, smashing 88 off 57 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and a six. She capitalised on loose deliveries and maintained a high strike rate throughout her innings. Mooney contributed a steady 46 off 39 balls, striking four boundaries before being caught by Shafali off Reddy’s bowling.
In the bowling department for Australia, Ashleigh Gardner returned figures of 3/22, playing a pivotal role in dismantling India’s middle order. Kim Garth, Annabel Sutherland and captain Sophie Molineux claimed two wickets each.
The victory levelled the three-match T20I series 1-1, setting up a decider at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Harmanpreet achieves historic milestone
The match was significant not only for Shafali’s landmark but also for Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic achievement. On February 19, she became the most capped international cricketer in women’s cricket history.
Playing her 356th international match, Harmanpreet surpassed New Zealand great Suzie Bates to claim the record. The Indian captain’s longevity and consistency have made her one of the most influential figures in women’s cricket globally.
Following Harmanpreet and Bates, Australia’s Ellyse Perry stands third on the all-time list with 349 international appearances. Former India captain Mithali Raj represented India in 333 matches, while England’s Charlotte Edwards featured in 309 games.
Over her career, Harmanpreet has played six Tests, 161 ODIs and 189 T20Is. She has scored 4,409 runs in ODIs and 3,784 runs in T20Is, cementing her place among India’s most prolific batters.
Notably, Harmanpreet also led India to their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final — a landmark moment in Indian women’s cricket.
Series poised for thrilling finish
With the series now level at 1-1, the final T20I promises to be a high-stakes encounter. India will look to address their middle-order frailties, while Australia will aim to carry forward the momentum from their comprehensive win.
For India, the twin milestones of Shafali and Harmanpreet offer positive takeaways despite the defeat. As the team prepares for the decider, individual brilliance and collective resilience will be key in determining the outcome of the closely contested series.
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