Shafali Verma Eyes Semi-Final Spot as India Continue Dominant World Cup Run
Indian opener credits support from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur after India's second consecutive big win at the Women's T20 World Cup.

Indian batter Shafali Verma said the team wants to maintain its winning momentum and secure a Women's T20 World Cup semi-final berth without last-minute pressure after a commanding victory over the Netherlands.
India continued their impressive start to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 95-run win over the Netherlands in Leeds, moving to the top of Group A. Speaking on JioStar's 'Adidas Match Centre Live', Indian batter Shafali Verma reflected on India's dominant start to the tournament, the guidance she received from senior players Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, and the importance of staying focused ahead of the crucial clash against South Africa.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Adidas Match Centre Live’, Shafali Verma opened up about India's strong start in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026:
"It feels really good to win the first two matches of the T20 World Cup. We won both games by big margins, which is crucial in a tournament like this. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very positive. We want to keep winning and make sure we qualify for the semi-finals without any last-minute pressure. Things are going as per plan, the batting is clicking, the bowlers are delivering, and the fielding has been sharp. We need to carry this momentum into the upcoming games. Every match is important, and we are not taking anything for granted. We want to keep improving and stay focused on the bigger goal of lifting the trophy."
On the advice she received from Smriti Mandhana at the start of her innings:
"I couldn't execute my plans the way I wanted in the last match against Pakistan. I was a bit rushed, and my shot selection wasn't ideal. But against the Netherlands, I kept it simple. I decided to just watch the ball and react. I didn't overthink. The shots came naturally. I only went after deliveries in my hitting arc. It felt like I was in auto mode. At the start, I kept reminding myself to play along the ground. Smriti didi kept telling me to watch the ball closely. It sounds like a small thing, but as a batter, it makes a huge difference. It helps you stay balanced and time the ball better. We kept talking about it throughout the innings. That constant communication helped me stay focused."
On her performance in the first two games:
"The England series before the T20 World Cup didn't go the way I wanted. I wasn't timing the ball well, and my shot selection wasn't up to the mark. So, I went back to the nets and worked on a few things, my footwork, my head position, and my shot selection. Against Pakistan in the opening game, I struggled to get going. I couldn't find my rhythm. But against the Netherlands, I felt I played a very mature knock. I didn't try to overdo things. I played along the ground, rotated the strike, and waited for the bad balls. That innings was a big confidence booster for me. I will watch my videos and analyse what worked. I will try to repeat that performance again and again for the team."
On the support from captain Harmanpreet Kaur:
"Harman di always keeps me confident. She trusts my abilities, and I wanted to show her that I could deliver with the ball as well. Whenever the team is in a tough spot, she backs me to perform. That belief means a lot. When your captain has that kind of faith in you, it gives you a different kind of boost. Her support makes things much easier. She gives clear advice and sets the field accordingly. When the field placements are right and you know exactly what to bowl, your job becomes much simpler. That is why I enjoy bowling under her leadership."
On the big game against South Africa:
"We have two to three days of practice before the next match against South Africa. We all know that from here on, every game is crucial. There is no room for complacency. Everyone must stay alert and focused, in batting, bowling, and fielding. In a World Cup, you cannot afford to take any match lightly. Every opposition is tough, and every game matters. As a player, you must give 100 per cent, not just for yourself, but for the team. When everyone gives their best, the team looks different. The energy, the commitment, and the execution all improve. Our mindset is simple, we will go out to win every match. We are not thinking about results in advance. We are just focusing on the process and giving our best in every game."
Watch West Indies vs Scotland in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 today, 11 PM onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story

