Indian opener Shafali Verma has expressed her optimism about teammate Smriti Mandhana’s return to form, particularly her strong play against spin, ahead of India’s crucial must-win game against Australia. The match is vital for India’s semi-final hopes in the ongoing tournament, with the team needing a victory to remain in contention. Mandhana had a rough start to the tournament, with low scores of 12 and 7 in her initial matches against New Zealand and Pakistan, raising concerns about her form. However, the left-handed opener silenced critics in India’s last game against Sri Lanka by delivering an impressive half-century, scoring 50 off 38 balls. This knock was crucial in propelling India to a dominant 82-run victory over Sri Lanka. Her innings, laced with four boundaries and a six, not only lifted her confidence but also gave the Indian team a significant boost as they prepared for the high-stakes encounter against Australia.
Reflecting on her partnership with Mandhana, Shafali Verma highlighted the positive signs coming from Mandhana’s ability to handle spin effectively, which could prove crucial in the upcoming match. “We’ve developed a good understanding as opening partners. On any given day, if one of us is in form, we focus on rotating the strike and allowing that player to face more deliveries. Smriti has been hitting the spinners well lately, which is a great advantage for us as a team. Our goal is always to give a solid start, and her form will help us do that,” Shafali said during an interview with Star Sports. Verma also emphasized the importance of adaptability on the large grounds of the UAE, where the conditions make it challenging to hit sixes frequently. She elaborated on how the team focuses on quick singles and running between the wickets as an alternative strategy. “The grounds here are huge—around 70 meters—so we try to take quick singles whenever possible. Hitting sixes isn’t easy on these big grounds, so we focus on taking the first run fast to maintain pressure on the opposition,” she explained.
India’s victory over Sri Lanka has placed them second in Group A, with two wins from three matches and a net run rate of +0.576. However, with New Zealand also vying for a semi-final spot, India must beat Australia convincingly to stay ahead on the net run rate if both teams win their remaining games. This adds an extra layer of pressure on the Indian side as they gear up for their match on October 13. Mandhana’s return to form could not have come at a better time. She and Shafali Verma added 98 runs for the first wicket against Sri Lanka, setting the tone for India’s commanding victory. Mandhana’s ability to play spin with ease will be critical as Australia’s bowling attack features a strong spin lineup that has historically troubled Indian batters.
India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur will be looking to capitalize on Mandhana’s momentum and the team’s growing confidence, aiming for a comprehensive performance that could edge them past Australia. With the semi-final race tightening, every run and every wicket will count in this crucial encounter. As the team prepares to face their toughest opponents yet, India’s hopes rest on solid batting performances from its key players, like Mandhana and Verma, and tactical precision in the field. The outcome of this match will likely determine whether India continues its journey in the tournament or faces an early exit.