Rohtak girl Shafali crushes Aus A with 78-ball 124

Brisbane, December 12

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Fifteen-year-old Shafali Verma smashed a stunning century as India A defeated Australia A by 16 runs in the first match of their limited-overs series. Shafali hit a 78-ball 124 to help India to an imposing 312/9, with Veda Krishnamurthy also hitting a century, a 99-ball 113.

India then restricted Australia A to 296/9 for a 16-run win, despite Tahlia McGrath’s 97.

After Belinda Vakarewa removed opener Priya Punia early for eight and Dayalan Hemalatha for a duck, Shafali was joined by Veda and the two proceeded to put the Australia A attack to the sword. The hosts had no answers for Shafali and Veda as the two put on 119 runs for the third wicket.

Shafali, who is the youngest Indian — man or woman — to score an international half-century, hammered 19 fours and four sixes. When she was dismissed in the 22nd over, she had scored 124 of India A’s 167 runs to that point.

After Shafali fell, Veda brought up her own century before being bowled by McGrath in the 48th over for a 99-ball 113.

Australia A openers McGrath and Georgia Redmayne started solidly in reply before the latter was dismissed for 30, followed by Bridget Patterson (6). McGrath’s hopes of a century were dashed when Devika Vaidya took her catch off her own bowling. Annabel Sutherland made 52, but the hosts ended up at 296/9.

The teams will meet in the second match of the three-match series on Saturday.