Shafali Verma showcased her exceptional batting skills once again, scoring 55 runs off just 25 balls, which significantly contributed to India’s victory over Zimbabwe in the T20I series on Sunday, October 18. This performance not only helped India secure a nine-wicket win but also highlighted Shafali’s recent form and consistency in T20I cricket.

Following the match, Shafali discussed her journey towards becoming a more reliable run-scorer. She mentioned that introspection and analysing the techniques of Australian cricketers played a crucial role in her development. “In 2025, when I was back at home, I was thinking about what I can improve. Consistency was one of those things and I analysed the Australian batters to see what they were doing to try and improve,” she stated during the post-match presentation.

This admission reflects her determination to enhance her game, particularly given that her explosive batting style had often been overshadowed by questions regarding her consistency. Despite her natural talent, Shafali faced challenges that led to her exclusion from the ODI squad ahead of the Women’s World Cup in 2025.

Challenges and Comeback in International Cricket

Shafali Verma first gained attention as a teenager due to her fearless batting approach, making her one of India’s most promising talents. However, her inconsistent performances led selectors to favour a more stable opening combination, particularly with Pratika Rawal establishing herself alongside Smriti Mandhana. Rawal’s impressive run in the World Cup, scoring 308 runs in six group-stage innings, underscored the need for reliability at the top order.

As a result, Shafali was not included in the initial squad announced in August 2025. This decision highlighted the importance of consistency at the international level, particularly for a player known for her ability to dominate bowling attacks. Following her exclusion, she returned to domestic cricket, working diligently to regain her place in the national team.

An unexpected opportunity arose when Rawal sustained an injury during a group-stage match against Bangladesh, leading to Shafali being named as her replacement for the semi-final against Australia. Although she scored only 10 runs in that match, her subsequent performance in the final against South Africa was pivotal. She scored 87 runs off 78 balls and took two wickets, helping India secure their first Women’s ODI World Cup title.

Consistent Performance in Subsequent Tournaments

Following her success in the World Cup, Shafali maintained her form in the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup. She scored 64 runs against Thailand, 28 against Hong Kong, and 68 against Sri Lanka, consistently providing quick starts for her team. Despite a couple of low scores, her contributions were vital as India clinched the title.

Her impact continued at the Asian Games in Japan, where she scored an unbeaten 40 runs against the hosts and achieved her maiden T20I century against Bangladesh in the semi-final, scoring 100 not out off 49 balls. This performance was instrumental in India posting a competitive total of 195 for four. She also contributed significantly in the final against Sri Lanka, scoring 48 runs to help India retain their gold medal.

Shafali’s latest innings against Zimbabwe further exemplified her ability to perform under pressure. Her 55 runs, alongside Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten 47, enabled India to chase down a target of 103 runs in just 11.5 overs. Mandhana expressed satisfaction with Shafali’s performance, noting that it aligned with the aggressive brand of cricket the team aims to play.

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