Shafali Verma named ICC Women's Player of the Month
Indian opener Shafali Verma clinches the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for September following her stellar performances in the Asia Cup and Asian Games.
Indian batting sensation Shafali Verma has been crowned the ICC Women's Player of the Month for September 2026. This prestigious recognition follows a period of absolute dominance by the 22-year-old, who played pivotal roles in India's recent triumphs at both the Women's Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
This marks the second time the explosive opener has received this honour. Her first stint with the award came in November of last year, a month defined by India's historic victory in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup on home soil.
A Month of Statistical Dominance
Verma's September was nothing short of extraordinary. Her contributions with both bat and ball made her the standout performer on the global stage. During the month, she amassed 360 runs in just seven T20Is, maintaining a staggering average of 72 and a strike rate of 184.61. Her tally included a magnificent century and two half-centuries.
However, she wasn't just a threat with the willow. The right-arm off-spinner proved to be a vital asset, claiming six wickets at an impressive average of 13 and an economy rate of just 4.33.
Clutch Performances in Major Tournaments
The award follows two massive tournament victories where Verma was the engine behind India's success:
- Women's Asia Cup: Verma emerged as the leading run-scorer in the UAE, bagging 236 runs across five innings. Key knocks included a 64 in the semi-final against Bangladesh and a crucial 68 in the final against Sri Lanka, helping India secure a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title.
- Asian Games: Carrying her momentum to Japan, she scored 188 runs in three innings. This included a sensational maiden T20I century—100 runs off just 49 balls—against Bangladesh in the semi-final. In the gold-medal match against Sri Lanka, she contributed 48 runs and took two crucial wickets to help secure the gold.
Her consistent excellence has also seen her climb into the top four of the ICC Women's T20I batting rankings.
Record-Breaking Year
The Asian Games outing cemented a historic milestone for the opener. Verma has officially become the woman with the most T20I runs in a single calendar year, accumulating 863 runs in 24 matches. Her season stats boast an average of 39.22 and a strike rate exceeding 162, featuring one century and seven fifties.
Looking Ahead to the Champions Trophy
Reflecting on her achievement, Verma expressed her immense pride in contributing to India's recent silverware. “It was immensely satisfying to play my part in our victories at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, and winning this award makes those triumphs even more special,” she stated.
The star opener is not slowing down, with her sights now set on the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and the high-stakes ICC Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year. She also remains eager to return to the field for an ICC tournament on Indian soil, promising an unforgettable experience for the home fans.