Shafali Verma's Explosive 81 Leads India to Victory in Women's Asia Cup

Shafali Verma's incredible 48-ball 81 powered India to 178/3 against Nepal in the Women's Asia Cup T20. Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana reshuffled the batting order. Nepali bowlers struggled, while Dayalan Hemalatha partnered effectively. Jemimah Rodrigues added a vital 28 not out. Nepal now faces a tough target to qualify for the semifinals.

Shafali Verma delivered a stunning performance on Tuesday, smashing an 81 off just 48 balls to propel India to 178 for 3 against Nepal in their final group stage match of the Women's Asia Cup T20 tournament.

With regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur sitting out, stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana made strategic changes, allowing lower-order batsmen more time in the middle. Verma and Dayalan Hemalatha (47) gave India a blazing start, putting up 122 runs in just 14 overs, including 50 in the powerplay itself.

Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a key 28 not out from 15 balls, pushing India near the 180-mark. Nepal now has a daunting task, needing to beat the target within 10 overs to surpass Pakistan on net run rate and advance to the semifinals. Verma's relentless hitting and Hemalatha's steady partnership left Nepalese bowlers struggling.