ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Shafali Verma’s Half-Century Powers India’s Record Powerplay Score In WC

India Women’s team delivered a commanding start in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, producing a dominant batting performance against the Netherlands. The opening pair laid a near-perfect platform, combining aggression with composure to put the opposition under immediate pressure.

Leading the charge were Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, whose partnership once again highlighted their value at the top of the order. Their effort not only powered India to a flying start but also created new benchmarks in the powerplay phase of the tournament.
India’s start was nothing short of sensational. Racing to 59/0 in the first six overs, the team recorded their highest-ever powerplay score in a Women’s T20 World Cup match.

This surpassed their previous bests, including 59/3 against Australia in the 2023 semifinal and 54/2 against Bangladesh in 2020. The aggressive approach from the outset left the Netherlands struggling to find control.

The opening stand between Verma and Mandhana proved to be the backbone of the innings. The duo added a commanding 104 runs within the first 11 overs, setting a solid platform for the middle order. This partnership also marked their 27th 50-plus stand in Women’s T20 Internationals, extending their lead as the most successful opening pair in the format, ahead of Australia’s Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney.

Shafali Verma’s Explosive Innings Against Dutch

Shafali Verma was the standout performer of the Indian innings so far, producing a blistering 55 off just 37 balls. Her knock, which included 10 boundaries, came at a strike rate of 148.65 and showcased her trademark fearless approach.

She wasted no time in asserting dominance. In the second over, Verma shuffled across to cut a short delivery from Iris Zwilling through the covers for her first boundary, immediately signaling her intent. She continued to target short-pitched deliveries, executing powerful cuts and drives while also displaying innovation with shots like the inside-out loft over the covers.

After reaching her half-century in 52 balls, Verma shifted gears dramatically. She accelerated with calculated aggression, taking apart the Dutch attack and maintaining India’s momentum throughout the powerplay and beyond. Her ability to switch from controlled accumulation to explosive hitting proved decisive.

This innings marked an important return to form for Verma after a low score in the opening fixture. More importantly, it reinforced her role as one of India’s most dangerous batters in the shortest format, capable of dismantling bowling attacks in a matter of overs.
Although she eventually fell after her well-crafted knock, Verma had already done the bulk of the damage, leaving the Netherlands on the back foot.

With Mandhana providing stability at the other end and the middle order ready to capitalise, India carried forward the strong start into a dominant overall performance. The team’s batting display highlighted both depth and intent, crucial attributes as the tournament progresses.

If the opening pair continues to perform at this level, India will remain a formidable force in the competition, with their top order setting the tone for success in every match.