India continued their impressive start to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 95-run win over the Netherlands in Leeds, moving to the top of Group A.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Adidas Match Centre Live’, Indian batter Shafali Verma reflected on India’s dominant start to the tournament, the guidance she received from senior players Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.
“It feels really good to win the first two matches of the T20 World Cup. We won both games by big margins, which is crucial in a tournament like this. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very positive. We want to keep winning and make sure we qualify for the semi-finals without any last-minute pressure. Things are going as per plan, the batting is clicking, the bowlers are delivering, and the fielding has been sharp. We need to carry this momentum into the upcoming games. Every match is important, and we are not taking anything for granted. We want to keep improving and stay focused on the bigger goal of lifting the trophy’ , said the Indian opener.
On the advice she received from Smriti Mandhana at the start of her innings, she added, “I couldn’t execute my plans the way I wanted in the last match against Pakistan. I was a bit rushed, and my shot selection wasn’t ideal. But against the Netherlands, I kept it simple. I decided to just watch the ball and react. I didn’t overthink. The shots came naturally. I only went after deliveries in my hitting arc. It felt like I was in auto mode. At the start, I kept reminding myself to play along the ground. Smriti didi kept telling me to watch the ball closely. It sounds like a small thing, but as a batter, it makes a huge difference. It helps you stay balanced and time the ball better. We kept talking about it throughout the innings. That constant communication helped me stay focused.”
After defeating Pakistan and Netherlands, the Indian women are now scheduled to face South Africa.
”We have two to three days of practice before the next match against South Africa. We all know that from here on, every game is crucial. There is no room for complacency. Everyone must stay alert and focused, in batting, bowling, and fielding. In a World Cup, you cannot afford to take any match lightly. Every opposition is tough, and every game matters. As a player, you must give 100 per cent, not just for yourself, but for the team. When everyone gives their best, the team looks different. The energy, the commitment, and the execution all improve. Our mindset is simple, we will go out to win every match. We are not thinking about results in advance. We are just focusing on the process and giving our best in every game,” said the all-rounder from Haryana.
Want to keep winning and make sure we qualify for the semi-finals without last-minute pressure: Shafali Verma
