A remarkable chapter has been written in international women cricket as India opener Shafali Verma delivered a stellar performance to shatter major batting records on the global stage. Hailing from Rohtak in Haryana, the right-handed batter achieved the historic milestone of completing 3,000 runs in women T20 internationals at the youngest age ever. Taking the field against arch-rivals Pakistan during the women Asia Cup group stage fixture in Dubai, she reached the monumental landmark during the opening overs of the Indian innings.
Along with claiming the age record, she also established a new global benchmark by reaching the 3,000-run mark in the fewest balls faced in the format. Shafali needed a mere 2182 deliveries to attain the milestone, surpassing the previous record held by former Australian legend Alyssa Healy, who had consumed 2321 balls to reach 3,000 T20 runs. Healy had announced her retirement from international cricket earlier this year. The aggressive playing style of the Indian star has carved out a distinct reputation for her across world cricket.
When it comes to the age criterion, the young Indian surpassed Ireland star Gaby Lewis, who was 24 years and 347 days old when she completed her 3,000 runs. UAE player Esha Oza occupies the third spot in this category at 27 years and 139 days old, while India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stands fourth at 27 years and 171 days. West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews is positioned fifth, having achieved the feat at 27 years and 347 days of age.
Reflecting on her career path, Shafali made her India debut in women T20 internationals back in 2019 and holds the distinction of being the youngest player to represent the country. She has now become only the third batter from India to cross the 3,000-run threshold in the format. Prior to her achievement, only captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opening partner Smriti Mandhana had managed to enter this exclusive club.
Presently, the record for most runs for India in T20 internationals belongs to Smriti Mandhana, who has amassed 4690 runs across 174 matches played between 2013 and 2026 at an average of 30.65, featuring 2 centuries and 35 half-centuries with a top score of 124. The second spot is held by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who accumulated 4249 runs in 205 matches from 2009 to 2026 at an average of 30.13, including 1 century and 18 half-centuries. With 3005 runs from 113 innings across 114 matches, Shafali firmly occupies the third position in the tally, maintaining an average of 28.08 with 19 half-centuries and a highest score of 81.
Looking at other notable names in the Indian batting lineup, Jemimah Rodrigues follows Shafali in fourth place, having scored 2824 runs in 131 matches between 2018 and 2026 at an average of 29.41 with 16 half-centuries. Former India captain Mithali Raj stands fifth with 2364 runs from 89 games at a stellar average of 37.52. Furthermore, aggressive middle-order batter Richa Ghosh has contributed 1344 runs in 91 matches, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma has added 1288 runs across 152 appearances.
