Shafali Varma scripts history, becomes fastest and youngest to reach 3,000 T20I runs in women’s cricket | Cricket News
Shafali Varma created history during India’s Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan in Dubai on Saturday, becoming the youngest player to score 3,000 runs in women’s T20Is. The India opener reached the landmark at the age of 22 years and 220 days, surpassing Ireland’s Gaby Lewis, who previously held the record at 24 years and 347 days.Shafali also became the fastest batter to reach 3,000 runs in women’s T20Is in terms of balls faced, achieving the feat in just 2,182 deliveries. She is the 16th player overall to reach 3,000 runs in women’s T20Is and the third Indian after Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Youngest to 3000 runs in Women’s T20Is
- 22y 220d – Shafali Verma (IND-W)
- 24y 347d – Gaby Lewis (IRE-W)
- 27y 139d – Esha Oza (UAE-W)
- 27y 171d – Smriti Mandhana (IND-W)
- 27y 347d – Hayley Matthews (WI-W)
A brief but explosive outing
Shafali reached the landmark in typically aggressive fashion. She opened the innings with a six off Sadia Iqbal before taking a single from the next ball to bring up her 3,000 T20I runs. She then smashed Fatima Sana for a powerful four before departing for 12 off six balls, including one four and one six.Fatima dismissed her caught and bowled in the second over, with Shafali getting a leading edge that ballooned back to the Pakistan captain.
India chase down 56 with ease
Shafali’s early dismissal did little to trouble India, who were chasing just 56 after Pakistan were bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I total. Pakistan’s batting collapsed against India’s spin attack, with Shree Charani and Prema Rawat taking three wickets each, while Deepti Sharma claimed two.India comfortably completed the chase, reaching 57/3 in 8.4 overs to register a dominant seven-wicket victory and finish at the top of Group A. Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 18 and finished the match in style with a six.
