Shafali Verma Praises India's Spin Attack After Dominant Win Over Thailand

In a recent match at the Women's T20 Asia Cup, Indian opener Shafali Verma lauded the team's spin bowling unit for their exceptional performance in a 94-run victory over Thailand. She highlighted the contributions of experienced bowlers like Deepti Sharma, who achieved a historic 3/0, and reflected on the team's middle-order struggles. Shafali also noted the absence of Pooja Vastrakar due to injury, emphasizing her importance to the squad. With India setting a challenging target of 159, Thailand faltered in their chase, ultimately bowled out for just 65 runs. The team looks forward to their next match against Hong Kong Women.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 10:41 IST

Shafali Verma Commends Spin Bowlers

Indian opener Shafali Verma expressed her admiration for the team's spin bowling unit, highlighting the advantage brought by seasoned players like Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Radha Yadav in the spin-friendly conditions of the Women's T20 Asia Cup. Her comments came during the post-match press conference following India's impressive 94-run victory against Thailand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Spinners Shine in Favorable Conditions

"The trio of Deepti, Radha, and Rana are incredibly experienced, and we all recognize that this pitch favors spin. They showcased excellent bowling skills. Their current form is commendable, and as a team, we are pleased with their mindset," Shafali remarked.

Bowling Performance Key to Victory

India's bowlers were instrumental in the win, limiting Thailand to just 65 runs after setting a target of 159/9. Deepti Sharma achieved a remarkable 3/0 in her bowling spell, while Nandni Sharma and Shree Charani also delivered strong performances. Despite a mid-innings collapse from 92/1 to 137/9, Shafali's explosive 64 runs off 36 balls helped secure a competitive total.

Reflections on Middle-Order Struggles

Discussing the middle-order collapse, Shafali acknowledged the effectiveness of Thailand's spinners and emphasized the need for improvement in their approach during the middle overs. "I was well-set at that moment but made a slight error. The ball gripped more than expected, and I might have misplayed it. It's just one of those days," she explained.

Absence of Pooja Vastrakar Felt

Shafali also addressed the team's struggle without all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, who is currently recovering from an injury. "Pooja is a fantastic player, and her recovery is going well. In cricket, opportunities arise for others, and we know her value to the team. We certainly miss her presence," she stated.

Match Overview

In the match, India scored 159/9, led by Shafali Verma's outstanding 64 runs, which included eight fours and three sixes. Despite a late batting collapse, India set a formidable target. Thailand struggled to build momentum in their chase, ultimately being bowled out for 65 runs in 16.1 overs. Deepti Sharma's historic bowling figures of 3/0 made her the first Indian bowler to achieve three wickets without conceding a run in a Women's T20I. Nandni Sharma's 3/18 and Shree Charani's 2/10 further showcased India's spin dominance. For Thailand, Nannapat Koncharoenkai was the standout batter, scoring 41 runs off 48 balls, but the team fell short, being dismissed for 65. India is set to face Hong Kong Women next on September 3.