‘The way I got out...’ - Shafali Verma stays self-critical despite match-winning fifty against Bangladesh

India opener Shafali Verma may have returned to form with a brilliant half-century against Bangladesh in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, but the swashbuckling batter admitted she was still not fully satisfied with her outing.

After enduring a disappointing start to the tournament, Shafali bounced back in style with a fluent 53 off 34 deliveries, striking at 155.88. Her attacking knock laid the perfect foundation for India’s comfortable chase of 137, as the Women in Blue completed the target in just 16.5 overs to strengthen their position in Group A.

The 22-year-old played a key role in India’s explosive start, helping the side post 63 runs in the powerplay, their highest-ever powerplay total in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup. However, despite her impactful innings, Shafali was left frustrated after failing to bat through the chase.

“Very happy the way I batted today. But if I am out there, that will make me so happy. But yeah, good confidence today and so happy I can grab some runs. And of course, sad. The way I got out, as I said earlier, if I am not out, that will be happier for me,” Shafali said after the match.

The aggressive opener also shed light on the conversation she shared with her batting partner during the chase, revealing that India’s plan was to capitalize on scoring opportunities without overcomplicating things.

“Nothing much, just backing our batting. Just whatever loose ball will come, we’ll just go for the four or maybe six, or otherwise we’ll go for one run. So it’s just a normal talk, not a different thing,” she said.

Shafali further explained that her innings was built around patience and smart shot selection, emphasizing the importance of waiting for deliveries in her scoring areas rather than trying to force the issue.

“Well, just try to choose the right ball. Whatever comes in my zone, just go for that. Otherwise, take a single. It’s just a very simple thing, but sometimes it’s complicated a lot. But I just talked to myself a lot this time, and yeah, it’s going good and so happy for that,” she explained.

Shafali’s return to form will come as a significant boost for India as they head into the business end of the tournament.