After producing a match-winning all-round performance against the Netherlands on Wednesday, opener Shafali Verma is hoping to repeat the feat when India take on South Africa in a crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup clash at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester on Sunday.
Shafali continued her rich vein of form in India’s second group-stage match, scoring 55 and claiming three wickets in a convincing 95-run victory over the Netherlands in Leeds. The win kept India unbeaten in the tournament and lifted them to the top of Group A.
A tougher challenge now awaits India against South Africa in Manchester. Shafali has fond memories of facing the Proteas, having been named Player of the Match in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final after scoring a quickfire 87 and taking two wickets to help India lift the title.
With that performance still fresh in her mind, Shafali is confident of making another impact.
“I would love to be the Player of the Match again, but I think it’s just the next match and every day is different,” Shafali said.
“I will go there with confidence as I was the Player of the Match in the (World Cup) final and I know everything about their bowlers. I have played against (South Africa pacer) Marizanne Kapp many times, so I know how to react in front of her.
“So yeah we are very excited for the next few matches and we are ready,” she added.
India will also be encouraged by the form of their opening pair. Shafali and Smriti Mandhana added 115 runs for the first wicket against the Netherlands, registering their fifth century partnership together.
Shafali credited Mandhana for the understanding they have developed over the years.
“The best thing is that whatever shots I can’t hit, she hits them and she has the best seat to tell me what I’m doing is right or wrong, and then even I have the best seat to tell her the same,” Shafali noted.
“I think we both know how to rotate the strike, that if a spinner comes then who has to take the strike, if a left arm comes then who has to strike.
“We have been playing with each other since many years, so we both know who is to be given which strike, so we know about each other a lot,” she added.