Shafali Verma creates history despite failure in 5th T20I against Sri Lanka, breaks major record

NEW DELHI: Shafali Verma capped a memorable T20I series against Sri Lanka by entering the record books, even though she could not make a big impact in the fifth and final match in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

The stylish Indian opener has now scored the most runs by an Indian women’s batter in a bilateral T20I series. Shafali amassed 241 runs across the five-match contest, going past Smriti Mandhana’s earlier record of 221 runs set against England Women.

SHAFALI VERMA IN THIS T20I SERIES Vs SRI LANKA:

Innings – 5.
Runs – 241.
Average – 80.3.
Strike rate – 181.20.
Fifties – 3.

She’s absolute bossed in this T20I series against Sri Lanka – What a player. pic.twitter.com/kwUIfq1oad

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) December 30, 2025

Shafali’s fearless stroke play and high tempo approach were crucial in helping India secure the series well before the final match, as they raced to a 4-0 lead.

The fifth T20I, however, proved to be a rare off day for the opener. Shafali was dismissed for 5 runs off 6 balls, striking one boundary before being removed early by Nimasha Meepage.

Despite the early dismissal in the last game, Shafali’s overall impact across the series remained undeniable.

She ended the five-match series with outstanding numbers, scoring 241 runs from five innings at an impressive average of over 80 and a strike rate above 180, underlining her dominance and consistency throughout the contest.