Shafali Verma noted that the bowling attack's depth, with seasoned campaigners Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Radha Yadav in the lineup, could work in the side's favour on the spin-friendly pitches at the Women's T20 Asia Cup. Shafali made those comments at the post-match press conference following India's 94-run win over Thailand in their Group A fixture at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, noting that Deepti, Radha, and Rana were all highly experienced players who understood the turning nature of the pitch and conditions.
The bowlers across the group delivered consistent performances, and Shafali noted that the team felt pleased with the mental state of their bowling unit. The bowling attack held Thailand to 65 runs in reply to a total of 159/9, proving instrumental in securing the win.
Deepti Sharma took three wickets without conceding a run in her spell, with Nandni Sharma and Shree Charani also contributing through their bowling. Deepti's wicket-taking spell had not been achieved by any Indian player in Women's T20 international cricket before. Nandni Sharma contributed three wickets for 18 runs, with Shree Charani adding two for 10, as the spin bowling unit exerted control throughout the match.
Shafali's 36-ball knock of 64 runs, featuring eight boundaries and three maximums, provided India with a foundation for a competitive total, though the side had stumbled from 92 for one to 137 for nine under pressure from Thailand's bowling attack during the middle overs. India posted a total of 159/9 that presented the opposition with a demanding run chase, despite the batting collapse in the closing overs.
Commenting on the batting unit's drop-off in the middle overs following a promising opening, Shafali noted that the side would look to address their approach during that phase, adding that she had been well-settled at the crease at the time. She described her approach as composed, while emphasising that the entire team is putting in full effort.
The Thailand bowlers performed throughout the innings. Shafali also expressed her pleasure at the expansion of women's cricket.
The batter addressed the absence of all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar due to injury, noting that her contributions were being felt by the team, and added that Vastrakar was progressing well in her recovery. Shafali noted that the player's contributions to the team are well understood by everyone, and her absence is being felt, while adding that any player given the opportunity has the ability to perform at that level.
Thailand's innings folded for 65 runs off 16.1 overs, with the batting side unable to build any sustained pressure as wickets fell at consistent intervals throughout the chase. Nannapat Koncharoenkai provided Thailand's sole meaningful contribution with a 41-ball knock of 41 runs, yet the side was dismissed for a total of 65.
India's next fixture, scheduled for 3 September, pits them against Hong Kong Women.
