New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India opener Shafali Verma says she has changed her approach to high-pressure matches by keeping things simple and returning to her basics, a mindset that helped her produce match-winning performances in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
Shafali smashed 68 off 39 balls in the final against Sri Lanka as India secured their eighth Women’s Asia Cup title with a 72-run victory while defending 183/5. She shared a record 129-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, who scored 59.
Reflecting on her approach to big games in a video posted by BCCI Women, Shafali said she previously allowed the occasion to create unnecessary pressure.
“I used to take the finals as a crucial game. I used to keep it as a hype. But now I keep things simple. I think I have to go to my basics. I have to watch the ball and react,” she said.
The right-hander added that continuous learning has been central to her development.
“Cricket always grows. You learn slowly. If you’re a good learner, you learn fast. So I’m just thinking about these things only. To learn things quickly and grow a lot,” she said.
Shafali was named Player of the Match in both the semifinal and final. She scored 236 runs and took two wickets to finish as Player of the Series. She had also played a pivotal role in India’s historic 2025 ODI World Cup triumph, scoring 87 off 78 balls against South Africa in the final and taking two wickets to earn Player of the Match honours.
The Asia Cup triumph was particularly significant for India after Sri Lanka defeated them in the 2024 final.
“Smriti didi, how are you feeling? We have finally taken revenge for 2024. I’m pretty sure we were all waiting for this moment for a long time,” Shafali told Mandhana.
Mandhana recalled the disappointment of 2024 and said the latest victory was a confidence booster for the team.
“2024 was very disappointing. I think we could not defend 165. But after two years, it felt good to play in the same position in the finals. It’s a good confidence booster. But yeah, we have to continue,” she said.
Mandhana also praised Shafali’s mature approach in the final, while Shafali summed up the openers’ response to scrutiny simply: “It is best to reply with the bat.”
India’s bowlers completed the job after the strong batting display, with Shree Charani claiming four wickets and Deepti Sharma taking three.
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