Tag: ShafaliVerma

India’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign kicks off on Friday with a highly anticipated clash against New Zealand. The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, boasts a strong lineup featuring Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma.

Despite reaching the final in 2020 and the semi-final in 2022, India has fallen short against Australia on both occasions. However, former India regular Punam Raut believes the team has a chance to make a strong run this year.

“We have a very good setup and a strong team,” Raut said. “Our preparations have been excellent, and we have been playing well.”

Raut highlighted the importance of consistency, particularly in the batting department. “In T20, bringing consistency is the most difficult thing for a batter,” she said. “If our main five batters consistently perform well, only then can we win.”

The tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates, a familiar venue for the Indian team. Raut believes the conditions will favor spinners, who could be the X-factor in the competition.

“Spinners will be the X-factor in this World Cup because the conditions are favorable for them,” Raut said. “We have quite a few good spinners, like Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma.”

India’s second match in the tournament will be against Pakistan, a team they have traditionally dominated. Raut attributed this dominance to Pakistan’s lack of batting strength.

“Pakistan always lack in batting, but they have a good bowling strength,” Raut said. “If they have a good batting strength, they can do well against India.”

Australia remains the favorite to win the tournament, but Raut believes India can challenge them if they can overcome their consistency issues.

“Australia are a very good team, and we have to accept that,” Raut said. “But if our main five batters consistently perform well, only then can we win.”

As Team India embarks on their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, the players received a heartwarming surprise that boosted their spirits. In a video shared on Instagram by ‘Team India,’ the squad was treated to special video messages from their family members on the eve of the tournament’s commencement.

From captain Harmanpreet Kaur to coach Amol Muzumdar, each player was greeted with a wholesome message from their loved ones. The video captured the players gathered in a room, their faces beaming with joy and emotion as they watched clips from their families. Smriti Mandhana’s brother, Harmanpreet Kaur’s parents, Shafali Verma’s brother, Asha Shobana’s family, Richa Ghosh’s father, and Amol Muzumdar’s daughter all shared heartfelt messages of support and encouragement.

The players, who are currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the tournament, were visibly moved by the surprise. They laughed, teared up, and expressed their gratitude for the love and support from their families back home.

India has yet to claim a Women’s T20 World Cup title in the eight editions of the tournament. Their best finish was a runner-up position in 2020. However, the team faces a challenging group stage, which includes six-time champions Australia, twice runners-up New Zealand, Women’s Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Despite the tough competition, India’s spin-heavy squad, led by Deepti Sharma, is expected to benefit from the slow pitch conditions in the UAE. The team boasts at least five regular spin bowling options, while only three seamers are included in the 15-player squad.

India will also rely on the experience of Smriti Mandhana and the explosiveness of Shafali Verma at the top of the order. Both players are in good form heading into the tournament.

The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting and competitive event. Team India will be determined to make history and bring home the coveted trophy for the first time.