New Delhi, June 27: In the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Indian opener Shefali Verma has scored 145 runs at an average of 36.25, including two half-centuries. She attributes her improved performance to a shift in mindset following the match against Pakistan, which has allowed her to play more freely ahead of India’s crucial final group-stage match against Australia.
The Indian team, part of Group A, currently sits second in the points table with three wins out of four matches, while Australia leads the group with four consecutive victories. Teams from Pakistan and the Netherlands are out of the title race, while South Africa and Bangladesh remain in contention.
Winning this match is vital for India to secure a spot in the semifinals. Ahead of this important clash, Shefali discussed her batting approach, bowling responsibilities, India’s fielding, and the confidence gained from previous victories against the six-time champions.
Shefali noted that excessive planning at the tournament’s start was hindering her performance. After the match against Pakistan, she realized the need to simplify her approach.
In an interview with ‘GeoStar’, she stated, “I have improved in many aspects of my batting. Before the match against Pakistan, I was overthinking and planning too much about how to play the first ball and what shot to take on the second. After that match, I realized I don’t need to complicate things. I just need to keep it simple. I focus on the ball and play accordingly without over-planning. This has helped me score more freely. I believe this change is why I am performing well now. I will try to continue this approach in the crucial match against Australia.”
Shefali emphasized the importance of knowing when to attack and allowing the innings to progress naturally. She explained, “If my shots aren’t connecting well, I don’t force it. I keep taking singles to keep the scoreboard ticking. I believe batting should not be complicated. Keep it simple, take singles, and rotate the strike. If the ball is in my hitting zone, I play a shot. Otherwise, I respect good deliveries and aim for one or two runs. This is what I have learned over time. Don’t try to hit every ball. Stay calm, watch the ball, and react accordingly. This understanding has been my key learning.”
In addition to her batting duties, Shefali mentioned that captain Harmanpreet Kaur has clearly defined her role in bowling, which helps her prepare effectively.
She stated, “Harman di has clarified my role. She told me I need to bowl during the power play. So, I work on that in the nets. I focus on bowling with the new ball, aiming for the right areas, and keeping the ball around the stumps. As an opener, I know that bowling outside the stumps gives the batsman a chance to score. Therefore, I always try to bowl according to my mindset as an opener regarding which line and length will trouble the batsman.”
India will face Australia in their final league match on June 28. The Australian team has not lost a match in this World Cup. Shefali acknowledged the strength of the opposing team but highlighted that recent success against them has boosted India’s confidence.
Shefali remarked, “Everyone knows Australia is a world-class team, but it’s not like we have never beaten them. We recently defeated them during a T20 series in Australia, which gives us confidence. We have been playing against them for years. We know their bowlers, their strengths, and their strategies. Therefore, we will keep things simple. The more you think, the harder it becomes.”
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