Shafali Verma is only 16, but such is the effect of the long pause in sport, especially women’s cricket, forced by the pandemic that her heroics seem distant.
Shafali, who has built an aura since entering the 2019 Women’s T20 Challenge as an unknown face, will be one of the most watched as this season’s three-team series starts in the UAE on Wednesday.
Indian women’s cricket received a big boost when the team reached the 2017 ODI World Cup final. The baby-faced Shafali’s blows added a fresh dimension in the runners-up finish to Australia in the T20 version at Melbourne in March. She was named in the team of the tournament.
Shafali is in Sharjah, with the Mithali Raj-led Velocity team, raring to go.
“I’m excited to hit the ground for the games; to just play my shots. I miss playing with Smriti Mandhana and for the Indian team. It’s amazing how Women’s T20 challenge has been organised during a pandemic. I will continue to go for my shots from the word go, help my team win. Till we return to wear the blue jersey, I will give my best in the UAE,” said Verma.
She will open the batting in the first game against holders Supernovas, which has England all-rounder Danielle Wyatt.
The four-match series will provide Indian cricketers the first game since the loss to Australia in the T20 World Cup final. Each player will earn $2500 as match fee.
“The quarantine time in Mumbai and Dubai has been really tough. We have stuck to each other through phone calls. When I last played this tournament in Jaipur I was nervous, but having played for India in the West Indies, and in Australia in the World Cup, it has made me confident. I have learnt new techniques and how to switch my mindset according to the situation,” said Verma, who is already a familiar face in the game despite making her T20 debut against South Africa only last year.
Indian women cricketers will be joined by some leading stars from England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and New Zealand. Natthakan Chantham, who scored the first women’s T20 World Cup half-century by a Thai player, will also feature in the event.
Ask Verma about IPL 13 and the teenager picks Mumbai Indians. “IPL has seen thrilling matches. Even the women’s games should be thrilling. Mumbai Indians have done a great job this season too. They are my favourites; so what if Sachin sir is not there. I’m backing them to win. I hope like the Jaipur edition, the UAE women’s T20 challenge again turns out to be a memorable one for me.”
Due to clash of dates with the Women’s Big Bash League, many top cricketers from Australia, New Zealand and England will miss the UAE event, while no India player is featuring in WBBL.
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