Senior Women's One-Day Trophy 2024: Shafali smashes 197 in lost cause after India snub

Shafali Verma delivered a brilliant performance for Haryana in the recent quarter-final of the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy in Rajkot, smashing 197 off 115. Despite her effort, Bengal created history by chasing down 390 with five wickets in hand and five balls to spare, making it the highest successful chase in women’s List A cricket.

The 20-year-old opener hammered 22 fours and 11 sixes, putting a strong opening partnership of 173 runs with Reema Sisodia (58 off 72). Her knock guided Haryana to 389/5. Contributions from Triveni Vasistha (46) and Sonia Mendhiya (61) also played a huge role in putting the total, giving their bowlers a huge target to defend.

For Shafali, this was her second century in the tournament, taking her tally to 527 runs in seven matches at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31. Her sublime form in domestic cricket comes at a time when she is trying to reclaim her place in the Indian team. A few weeks prior, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur had said how Shafali was crucial to India's plans. 

"She [Shafali] is a very important player for us and has done exceptionally well for the country. We are looking forward to seeing her get back into her zone and perform well for the team," she said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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Meanwhile, Bengal's chase was anchored by openers Dhara Gujjar (69 off 49) and Sasthi Mondal (52 off 29) who gave them a flying start, adding 100 runs in just 9.1 overs. Additionally, Tanusree Sarkar played a pivotal knock of 113 off 83 balls and had earlier also taken 3 for 56. The chase faced hiccups after Sarkar’s dismissal, but Priyanka Bala anchored the innings with an unbeaten 88 off 81, ensuring Bengal crossed the finish line.