IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I: The ongoing women’s T20I series between India and Sri Lanka has already delivered several memorable moments, but all eyes are now firmly fixed on the fifth and final match to be played in Trivandrum. At the center of this attention is Shafali Verma, who has been in extraordinary batting form throughout the series. As India’s designated opener, she has not only given her team fast starts but has also placed herself within touching distance of a landmark achievement in women’s T20I cricket history.
Shafali Verma is set to open the innings once again for the hosts in the fifth T20I against Sri Lanka. The Trivandrum surface has traditionally supported stroke play, which makes this encounter even more intriguing. India will look to finish the series on a high, while Sri Lanka will aim to contain a batter who has dominated their bowling attack so far. For Shafali, however, this match is about more than just the series result; it is an opportunity to etch her name at the very top of an elite statistical list.
After four matches in the series, Shafali Verma has accumulated 236 runs, already the highest tally by an Indian batter in a single women’s T20I series. What makes this achievement stand out is the consistency she has shown after a slow start. She managed only 9 runs in the opening match, which briefly raised questions about her form. Those doubts were quickly silenced as she followed it up with unbeaten scores of 69 and 79 in consecutive matches, and then another fluent 79 in the fourth game. Three fifties in a row have highlighted her ability to adapt, attack, and anchor the innings when required.
The current record for the most runs in a women’s T20I series is held by Hayley Matthews of West Indies. In 2023, she amassed 310 runs in just three matches against Australia, including two half-centuries and a century. Shafali Verma now needs 75 runs in the final match to surpass that mark and become the highest run-scorer in a single T20I series. Given her recent form and fearless approach at the top of the order, this target appears challenging yet achievable.
So far, only three batters have crossed the 300-run mark in a women’s T20I series. Alongside Hayley Matthews, the list includes Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka and Maria Castiñeiras of Argentina. Chamari achieved the feat in 2024 across five matches, while Castiñeiras reached 300 runs in just three games in 2023. Shafali’s potential entry into this exclusive club would further underline her status as one of the most destructive openers in the modern game.
Women’s T20I cricket has seen several prolific series over the years, with batters from both full-member and associate nations making a mark. Performances from players representing New Zealand, Australia, England, UAE, Romania, and emerging cricket nations such as Vanuatu and Tanzania reflect the global growth of the women’s game. Shafali Verma’s current tally already places her among these elite performers, and a big score in Trivandrum could elevate her to the very top of the list.
Beyond individual records, Shafali Verma’s run spree is a positive sign for Indian women’s cricket. Her aggressive intent at the top allows the middle order to play with freedom and confidence. Consistent performances in bilateral series also strengthen India’s preparations for major global tournaments. A record-breaking effort in the final T20I would not only boost team morale but also inspire the next generation of young cricketers watching from home.
As the fifth T20I approaches, anticipation continues to build. Whether Shafali Verma crosses the historic milestone or not, her performances in this series have already been exceptional. Still, cricket often rewards momentum, and with the form she is in, Trivandrum could well witness a new chapter being written in women’s T20I history.
