Shafali Verma set a new Women’s Premier League record by hitting 53 sixes while scoring 62 runs off 41 balls, leading Delhi Capitals to a formidable 166/5 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and securing a 9‑run victory. It marks the first 50‑six milestone in league history and pushes the Capitals into the top three of the table.
Record‑Breaking Knock Overview
How Verma Reached 53 Sixes
Verma opened the innings and, after a 12‑run partnership, launched a six over mid‑wicket on the fourth ball. She maintained a six every 2.3 balls, finishing with a strike rate of 151.2. The 53 sixes constitute a historic first‑ever 50‑six achievement in the WPL, surpassing all previous benchmarks.
Match Summary: Capitals vs RCB
Key Performances
The Capitals’ total was bolstered by opener Lucy Hamilton’s quickfire 28 and Sneh Rana’s 19 off 12. In response, RCB’s Smriti Mandhana crafted a fluent 96, but the middle overs saw disciplined bowling from Lauren Bell and Sayali Satghare, who claimed three wickets and triggered a collapse at 112/6. Veteran bowler Anjali Thakur sealed the win with figures of 2/19, dismissing RCB for 157.
Impact on Delhi Capitals and the WPL
Future Implications
The record‑breaking innings elevates the Capitals into the top three, adding strategic pressure on opponents to devise specific plans against Verma’s aerial assault. For the league, the milestone reinforces the WPL’s high‑scoring, entertainment‑driven identity, drawing increased fan engagement and sponsor interest.
Verma’s performance also strengthens her case for a permanent spot in India’s senior T20I squad as the board prepares for upcoming international tournaments.
