India’s opener Shafali Verma expressed regret for her mistimed shot that led to her dismissal at 57 runs but emphasized the team’s unity and determination to bounce back stronger following an eight-wicket loss to South Africa in the second T20I. Despite Shafali’s fluent innings, India faltered, posting a below-par 147, which South Africa comfortably chased down with eight wickets in hand.
“In the beginning, I got a very good start. Then I was just thinking to go for shots down the ground, take one run at a time, and then whenever I will get a loose ball, I will go for that. I just saw the scorecard and thought I will get the ball over cover, but that was a mistimed shot and then I got out. I would have done more, maybe if I stayed till 18th over. I should have just stayed calm,” Shafali shared in the post-match press conference.
Trailing 0-2 in the series, Shafali highlighted the team’s determination to stage a comeback. “Well, of course, nothing much. We all know our strength. We will just come back hard and we will just stand shoulder to shoulder and we will practice more and practice hard. We have two days break and we will get back together and we will do well and we will come back harder,” she stated.
The match also marked a significant milestone for Shafali as she became the youngest Indian cricketer to reach the 100-game mark in T20Is. While celebrating her achievement, she praised the Proteas for their clinical performance.
“Playing 100 games for India is a very proud feeling for myself. Talking about their team, they batted really well and they have done very well in all three formats. So, I will say we will come back hard and we will give our best for the third game.”
Addressing the team’s recent fielding struggles, including dropped catches and misfields that aided South Africa’s chase, Shafali defended the team’s efforts. “Well, it’s not a technical issue. We have really done hard work in the fielding and fitness. We are giving our 100 percent and in our hand, it’s just giving 100 percent and we are doing that. Hopefully, we will come back hard and we will not do that mistake again,” she concluded.
