Will keep telling myself to stay calm, believe: Shafali

MUMBAI: On the eve of their all-important Women’s World Cup semifinal against defending champions Australia, as the India batters lined up fora hit out in the nets, Shafali Verma also took guard at the DY Patil Sports Complex’s University ground on ‘Wednesday afternoon.

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

Ofall the batters he bowled to, young net bowler Vishal Thakur, from the Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar Cricket Academy which is housed in the same complex, said he was most impressed by Shafali’s hitting. “She hitso many balls outside the ground, into the University buildings. She was middling the ball. Shafali looked the best along with Amanjot Kaur,” said Vishal, who bowls off-spin.

“Attacking batter hai woh, maar hi rahi thi (she is an attacking batter, and was playing her natural game),” said the youngster.

Shafali last played an ODI in October last year, losing her place in the 50-over format. An explosive opener who broke into the national team as a teenager, she paid the price for her inconsistency. And in Pratika Rawal, the Indian selectors discovered a fine batting talent. For an opening batter, she is compact with a sound temperament. With a series of consistent scores, Pra-tika made the place her own, forming a successful combination with Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order.