Shafali Verma Crowned ICC Women's Player of the Month for September 2026
Shafali Verma's Remarkable Achievement
Dubai [UAE], October 13: Indian opener Shafali Verma has been honored as the 'ICC Women’s Player of the Month' for September 2026, thanks to her outstanding performances during the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games, where she made significant contributions in crucial matches.
This marks the second occasion Shafali has received this accolade, having first won it in November of the previous year when she played a pivotal role in India's victory at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup held on home turf.
Expressing her gratitude, Shafali remarked, “Winning the ICC Player of the Month award again is an incredible honor. Contributing to our triumphs at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games makes this recognition even more special.”
Looking ahead, she expressed enthusiasm for India's upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for next year.
“I am eager for the upcoming months and committed to maintaining my performance, especially with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in February next year on the horizon,” she stated.
Shafali reminisced about the joy of winning the World Cup, saying, “The memory is still fresh and special, and I am excited to participate in another ICC tournament on home soil. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!”
Her recent recognition follows India's success in the Asia Cup and the gold medal achievement at the Asian Games in Nagoya.
In September, Shafali amassed 360 runs across seven T20Is, boasting an impressive average of 72 and a strike rate of 184.61, which included a century and two half-centuries. Additionally, she took six wickets at an average of 13 and an economy rate of 4.33.
She was the top run-scorer in the Asia Cup, accumulating 236 runs in five innings, highlighted by scores of 64 in the semi-final against Bangladesh and 68 in the final against Sri Lanka, leading India to their eighth Asia Cup title.
Continuing her excellent form at the Asian Games, she scored 188 runs in three innings, featuring an unbeaten 40 against Japan and a remarkable T20I century against Bangladesh, where she scored 100 off just 49 balls in the semi-final.
Shafali also climbed into the top four of the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings.
In the gold medal match against Sri Lanka, she contributed 48 runs, helping India secure a commanding 147-run victory.
Her bowling was equally impressive, with two wickets in the Asia Cup and four in the Asian Games, including two crucial wickets in the gold medal match against Sri Lanka.
With her performances in the Asian Games, Verma has set a record for the most T20I runs by a woman in a calendar year, totaling 863 runs in 24 matches at an average of 39.22 and a strike rate exceeding 162, which includes a century and seven fifties.