Team backed me to play my game, says Shafali Verma after World Cup final win against South Africa

Indian opener Shafali Verma revealed she got the backing of the whole team after she joined the side ahead of the World Cup semifinal clash against Australia. Verma was added to the squad after opener Pratika Rawal suffered a serious ankle injury in the league phase match against Bangladesh.

While Verma could not deliver against Australia, she was at her best against South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai on Sunday. The 21-year-old scored a crucial knock of 87 runs off 78 balls to help India post 298 runs after South African captain Laura Wolvaardt decided to bowl first.

The Indian opener scored seven fours and two sixes in her match-winning knock and scored her runs at an impressive strike rate of 111.54.

Furthermore, Verma got two crucial wickets, returning with figures of 2-36 in seven overs she bowled. The off-spinner accounted for Sune Luus and broke the 51-run partnership the latter had with her captain, Wolvaardt. Moreover, Verma dismissed Marizanne Kapp caught down the leg-side. Thus, Verma was awarded Player of the Match for her all-round performance after India registered a 52-run win.

Shafali Verma said after the win while talking to the official broadcasters, “Yes, absolutely. My mind was clear today. And I went and worked on my plans. I am so happy that they got executed. And along with that, Smriti didi was talking to me a lot. Harman di was always a supporter. And I think everyone supported me a lot. All the teammates were very welcoming and supportive.” 

She added, “The team just opened their hearts and told me to play my game. Not to leave my game. So, I think when you get so much clarity, then you feel very happy.”

Verma admitted it was not easy for her after she got a belated call to the squad and said she wanted to contribute to the team’s success.

Verma concluded, “It was difficult but I had confidence in myself. That I will believe in myself. And if I keep myself calm, I can do anything. So that belief and that calmness, and my parents gave a lot of support. My parents, my friend, and my brother. I think everyone gave a lot of support. Everyone used to tell me how to play. And how important this final is for me, for the whole team. So today I was only thinking about how to make runs. The team should win.”