Shafali Verma, the partner of the popular Indian opening pair states that she gels well with Smriti Mandhana, who is completely active and stoppable, and the two of them have the ability to communicate its ‘feelings’ with just the look.
The performance of the opening batsmen has been one of the reasons why the Indian women’s cricket team has been the dominant side of late and that Shafali concurs that is how “critical” they understand they are to the destiny of the side.
“I’ve been opening with Smriti for the past two-three years and right now when we are batting, it almost feels like we are able to know each other’s feelings through our facial expressions. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we give each other positive vibes,” Shafali told Star Sports when quizzed on her on-field bonding with Mandhana.
“We both know how vital we are to the team, especially in the powerplay, and therefore aim at delivering good games to ourselves, our teammates and the country.”
The younger partner added, “Smriti di is a clever strategist on the wicket and is an excellent timer of the ball. These are the two things that look – striking and building – impress me with her. That is the time and structure to her batting.”
India will kick off their campaign in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup against New Zealand on Friday and Shafali has said it has been a wish of captain Harmanpreet Kaur to win the tournament which they finished runners-up in 2020 edition.
“Harmanpreet di’s zeal for the game is commendable. All her life, winning the World Cup has been her one single wish and I wish we can make that come true. She’s wonderful, terrific player, perfect companion and inspiring captain who encourages and energizes us constantly.” Shafali was speaking about the captain of the team.
Shafali was just 16 years old when she made her debut in the World Cup and missing that trophy by a hair’s breadth, she says that she will try to grab it this time.
Debuting at the age of 16 was a big deal as it was for me, and I also enjoyed being in Australia. It is not only the cricket that attracted me; there was sightseeing too.
“The tournament was a memorable one for me where I delivered my best for the team. Looking back at that World Cup always brings a smile to my face. We came so close, although let’s hope that in this tournament we can change that.”
Playing the final against the Australia team on Australian soil, in an electrifying atmosphere at MCG has taught her to channelise pressure in a much better way.
“I could not hear anything due to the huge number of people. It was very overwhelming for me to participate in such a game with a large audience.”
“I was engulfed with the ambience and the pandemonium but have mastered the art of concentrating enough in this situation at the moment. If I were to face such a condition again, I would not have had the same kind of pressure that I had at that particular time.”
