'We're Winning And Gelling But...': Shafali Verma Speaks About India's Scare Ahead Of SF vs BAN
Shafali Verma (X.com)
The star India opener, Shafali Verma, feels that India must improve in all areas of the game before their Women's Asia Cup semi-final clash against Bangladesh on Friday.
Shafali, the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 158 runs, averages over 52 from three matches, reflecting on how the semifinal clash is of the utmost importance and India's plan to execute it tomorrow.
"It's a nice feeling the way we are winning the matches and gelling well as a team. But the semifinal is very important for us. We are practicing very hard, and hopefully we will execute (plans) tomorrow," said Shafali on the eve of the semifinal.
"As a batting unit, we are backing our strength. Bowlers are also doing well at nets. But we need to keep improving ourselves," she added.
Shafali said even the lower-order batters have been working on their skills in the nets, particularly because they have yet to bat in the Asia Cup.
"They haven't had much of a chance (to bat). But Deepti (Sharma), Pooja (Vastrakar) and all other lower batters are practicing well, and I am sure they are ready to hit a few sixes whenever their opportunity comes," she said.
The 20-year-old said the defending champions have placed a particular emphasis on their fielding after a largely underwhelming effort thus far in the event.
"We are working hard on our fielding. Hopefully, we will be able to tick the boxes in all three departments – batting, bowling, fielding – against Bangladesh," she added.
In the group matches, Woman In Blue emerged winners by seven wickets against Pakistan, 78 runs against UAE, and an 82-run margin against Nepal. They are now just one game away from booking a spot in the finals.
[With PTI Inputs]