Confident Shafali Verma eager to take on South Africa fast bowlers

Shafali Verma returned to form with a run-a-ball 42 against Bangladesh in the previous match in the Women's World Cup. She now looks forward to facing the South Africa pacers in a must-win match on Sunday (March 27).

While South Africa have already qualified for the semi-final, India need to win to make it to the next round. Shafali was out of the team until she was called back to the team for the crucial tie against Australia, but backing from the coaching staff gave her confidence.

"I'm always ready for any sort of situation whether I was not in the squad. When I was included against Australia, I was ready for it as I always thought that I may be given a chance on any given day," Verma said at a pre-match press conference.

"Coaches were backing me when I was in nets. Our batting coach always gave me confidence which is a very good thing. He always worked on my weak and strong points.

"Our staff goes to those players who are not in good nick. They sit with them and give them confidence. As a player, it gives us a boost.

"They always make sure to speak to the out-of-form players and try to boost their confidence, which is a good thing. As a player, you derive a lot of confidence through such interactions."

Speaking of her knock against Bangladesh, she said, "The last game gave me so much confidence. I was just thinking of improving myself and backing myself rather than thinking I am doing good or not. So, I'm just thinking to do well for the team in tomorrow's game.

"When I was out, I was going through a bad time. I was focusing on my processes and when you go through such patches it's important to work on your process.

"I worked on my mistakes and tried to improve on a day-by-day basis, and I am doing that even now - physically, mentally and skill-wise."

Having made her India debut as a 15-year-old prodigy, Shafali has come a long way and alongside the elegant Smriti Mandhana, forms one of the most explosive opening pairings in women's cricket.

However, on tours of England and Australia last year, she was peppered with short balls and didn't look comfortable against them. "I have worked on playing short balls. I have improved but want to keep getting better at it, whether that be against the short ball or a strong point of mine," she said.

"I love playing fast balls and good bowlers. I have always played against pace because I used to play with boys. I am very excited to play tomorrow's game. It would be fun to play fast balls." 

(With inputs from PTI)