Shafali Verma confident ahead of big final as India chase history
Verma will hope to lead the women's team to their first World Cup title as the under-19 side gets ready to take on England in Potchefstroom in the final of the U19 Women's T20 World Cup.
While the senior side managed to get through to the finals of a World Cup thrice, a title has eluded them. Recently, they made the final in 2017 in the Women's Cricket World Cup and 2020 in the Women's T20 World Cup.
The senior team, which had Verma in it, also reached the final of the Commonwealth Games last year, but they had to settle for Silver as they lost to Australia in the final clash.
Verma, though, is confident that this group in South Africa can break the trophy drought. The birthday girl was confident of the team putting up a good show in the final on Sunday.
"The feeling is very good because whatever the plans we have done that in the practice session," Verma said.
"They are very excited to play in the final. We are just thinking of backing each other in the final. We are going to enjoy it and give our hundred percent."
"It's about going out there and enjoying the game. I've told the teammates 'don't stress, just give your 100 percent without thinking of it as the final. Just believe in yourself."
"It's all past and that cannot be recreated. We are determined to bring the World Cup this time and are trying to improve day by day."
India have been one of the best teams in the tournament, losing only once on their way to the final. That game against the Aussies saw Verma's side bowled out for 87, but the skipper stressed that they have "learnt from the mistakes".
"Now we're all very confident, clear of our roles. Everyone is enjoying each other's company and stay normal, we are not thinking much."
England, meanwhile, come off the back of an unbelievable win in the semi-final clash against Australia.
Shafali hailed the game as an exciting one, while England skipper Grace Scrivens rubbed off the batting collapse in the game as a one-off.
"It's about resetting and going to the next game. We want to play with a positive mindset, and play fearless cricket. I'm sure yesterday's collapse will not affect us," Scrivens said ahead of the final.
A mouth-watering clash awaits us as two of the best teams in the competition go head-to-head in what could be a very promising clash.
