India’s star opener Shafali Verma is having a dream run in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. She is the leading run-scorer (161) for the Indian team and third overall after England’s Natalie Sciver (202) and Heather Knight (193).
When it comes to best batting strike-rate, then the 16-year-old is above every batter in the tournament, having an outstanding strike-rate of 161. Shafali is also the leader of most six hitters’ tables. In just four innings, the Rohtak-born has smashed nine maximums.
Despite scoring so many sixes and runs, Shafali hasn’t yet managed to slam a half-century in the elite competition. Her highest score so far at the mega event came against Sri Lanka, where she played a 34-ball 47 run knock.
Before Sri Lanka, Shafali has smashed 46 against New Zealand, 39 against Bangladesh, and 29 against Australia in the World Cup opener.
On missing out from scoring a fifty, the youngster recently shared her feelings. During a short interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC) insider Ridhima Pathak, Shafali expressed that she does feel bad about not reaching the half-century mark, but a “team win is much more important than a personal milestone”.
“Yes, it does feel bad (not reaching the fifty), but for me, my team’s win is more vital; therefore, I’m happy. My team’s win is equal to my fifty, and I will try to perform much better in the upcoming games for my nation,” Shafali said.
On Team India’s unbeaten journey in the competition and overall performance, Shafali said: “Feeling good, bowlers are performing well, so do batters, the atmosphere of the team is tremendous.”
After winning all four matches, the Indian team is at the top in Group A and has qualified for the first semi-final, which is scheduled to be played on Thursday (Mar 05) in Sydney.