Team India is set to kick off their Women’s T20 World Cup journey with an exciting opener against New Zealand on Friday. In the lead-up to the match, Indian batter Shafali Verma shared insights into her close on-field understanding with fellow teammate Smriti Mandhana. Verma highlighted the natural connection she shares with Mandhana, often anticipating each other’s moves during matches. Their strong bond is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s performance as they face the Kiwis in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the tournament.
Shafali Verma on Her Strong synergy with Smriti Mandhana:
Shafali Verma, one half of India’s dynamic opening duo, believes her aggressive playing style complements Smriti Mandhana’s graceful approach perfectly. Verma noted that the pair can often “sense each other’s emotions through facial expressions” while at the crease. Their strong partnership has been a key factor in the Indian women’s cricket team’s recent success, with Shafali acknowledging the crucial role they play in shaping the team’s overall performance and outcomes.
She said, “ I’ve been opening with Smriti for the past two-three years, and now we can sense each other’s feelings just by our facial expressions while batting. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we give each other positive vibes. We understand how important we both are to the team, especially during the powerplay, so we try to perform well for ourselves, our teammates, and the country.”
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She added, “Smriti di is an exceptional timer of the ball, and she knows how to build an innings. These are the two things I admire most about her batting — her timing and her ability to construct a big innings.”
India to Start the Campaign Against New Zealand:
India is set to launch their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a match against New Zealand on Friday. Shafali Verma shared that captain Harmanpreet Kaur has long dreamed of lifting the trophy, especially after India’s near miss as runners-up in the 2020 edition. The team is determined to make their mark in this year’s tournament and aim for victory.
Shafali said, “ Harmanpreet di is very passionate about the game. Winning the World Cup has always been a dream for her, and I hope we can make that dream come true. She’s a great player, a great teammate, and a fantastic captain who inspires and motivates us all the time.”
Shafali, who made her World Cup debut at just 16, narrowly missed out on the trophy that year. Now, she is eager to rewrite that story and secure a win this time. She added, “ It was a big deal for me to debut at 16, and I loved being in Australia. It wasn’t just the cricket; I also enjoyed exploring the country. The tournament was special, and I performed well for the team. Thinking back to that World Cup always brings a smile to my face. We were so close to winning, but hopefully, we can change that this time around.”
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