Shafali Verma Backs India’s Middle Order Against Bangladesh

India opener Shafali Verma backed the team’s middle order to deliver in the Women’s Asia Cup semifinal against Bangladesh, saying a few low-scoring outings should not be a concern ahead of the crucial clash on Thursday.

India’s middle order has struggled for runs in the last three matches, but Shafali insisted the team has no reason to panic and expressed confidence in the quality of India’s batters.

“Well, I would say there is a bit of bad days. But they all are very good players. They all are very good batters,” Shafali said.

Shafali Verma Backs India Middle Order

Shafali specifically highlighted Bharti Fulmali and Richa Ghosh, backing the two finishers to make an impact against Bangladesh.

“Just talking about Bharti and Richa, they all are very good finishers and even doing the great thing in middle order as well. So, I am pretty sure they will do well for our team,” she said.

With India facing Bangladesh in the semifinal, the performance of the middle order could prove crucial, particularly if the openers fail to provide another dominant start.

India Get Four Days To Prepare

India have had four days to prepare for the semifinal after completing their group-stage campaign.

Shafali said the extended break allowed the players to recover physically while also giving them enough time to work on their preparation.

“We had good preparation. We got four days of break and on those days we recovered well and we did practice as well. So, we all are ready for the semis,” she said.

The India opener has also enjoyed memorable performances against Bangladesh in recent matches. However, she believes past success will only provide confidence rather than any guarantee for the upcoming semifinal.

Shafali Takes Confidence From Past

Asked whether her previous performances against Bangladesh would give her additional confidence, Shafali said she would start the semifinal afresh while carrying the belief gained from those innings.

“Yeah, like as a batter, whenever I go to bat, it just starts from zero. But what came from that innings is just confidence. So, I will take that confidence and just start from zero again,” she said.

On the possibility of changes to India’s playing XI, Shafali left the decision to captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

“Like, I am not a captain. So, captain will decide this. So, I just try to play my best,” she said.

Shafali Ready For Dubai Conditions

The Dubai conditions have offered assistance to spinners during the tournament, but Shafali believes the Indian players are familiar with what to expect.

“Yeah, of course, this condition is similar like India. So, we all know the condition. There is a bit of turn in the wicket,” she said.

Shafali added that she would look to take her time before enjoying her batting in the semifinal.

India will face Bangladesh on Thursday with a place in the Women’s Asia Cup final at stake.