As India prepares for their women's Asia Cup semifinal against Bangladesh, opener Shafali Verma has emphasised the need for improvement across all facets of the game.
Despite India's dominant run in the tournament, Verma stressed the importance of refining their performance.
Shafali Verma, the second-highest run-scorer in the competition with 158 runs at an average of over 52 from three matches, reflected on the team's progress.
India secured victories by seven wickets against Pakistan, 78 runs against UAE, and an 82-run margin against Nepal in the group stage.
"It's a nice feeling the way we are winning the matches and gelling well as a team. But the semifinal is very important for us. We are practicing very hard, and hopefully, we will execute our plans tomorrow," Verma said on the eve of the crucial match.
The 20-year-old opener highlighted the efforts of the entire batting unit and praised the bowlers for their performance in the nets. However, she underscored the necessity for continuous improvement.
"As a batting unit, we are backing our strength. Bowlers are also doing well at nets. But we need to keep improving ourselves," Verma added.
Verma also mentioned the efforts of the lower-order batters, who have yet to get an opportunity to bat in the tournament.
"They haven't had much of a chance to bat. But Deepti (Sharma), Pooja (Vastrakar), and all other lower-order batters are practicing well, and I am sure they are ready to hit a few sixes whenever their opportunity comes," she said.
Special emphasis has been placed on fielding, an area where the team has struggled.
"We are working hard on our fielding. Hopefully, we will be able to tick the boxes in all three departments – batting, bowling, fielding – tomorrow against Bangladesh," Verma concluded.
India will be looking to continue their strong performance and secure a spot in the final with a comprehensive display against Bangladesh.
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