Dubai, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shafali Verma said she focused on staying composed and adapting to a difficult batting surface during her match-winning 64 against Bangladesh in India’s Women’s Asia Cup semifinal victory in Dubai.
Shafali smashed 64 off 40 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, to help India recover from the early dismissal of Smriti Mandhana and post 149/6 in 20 overs at the Dubai International Stadium.
India’s bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Bangladesh to 109/7, securing a 40-run victory and a place in the final.
Speaking in a video released by BCCI Women, Shafali said she was prepared to adjust her attacking approach according to the conditions and allow Mandhana to take the initiative when required.
“Sometimes, you know, as an opening batter, sometimes I get six fours and sometimes I didn’t. So, I am just trying to, you know, just be calm and just take singles on that time because there is Smriti as well; she will also hit that six and four,” she said.
“Sometimes, I am just trying to, you know, just be there for the team and just try to take the innings deep,” she added.
Shafali made the most of an early reprieve to register her 20th T20I half-century. Her aggressive innings provided India with crucial momentum on a surface where several batters struggled to time their shots.
Deepti Sharma, who contributed with both bat and ball, praised Shafali for maintaining her composure despite the challenging conditions.
“The ball wasn’t coming to her as she wanted. Today was a different challenge from previous games, and the pitch was also tough, but she kept her calm and believed in her shots,” Deepti said.
Deepti also struck 13 off six balls in the final over to take India close to the 150-run mark before being dismissed. She then returned figures of 3-26 to play a decisive role with the ball.
Reflecting on her brief cameo, Deepti said she was pleased
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