Punam Raut wants Shafali Verma to bat with the same responsibility for India in future as he did for Delhi Capitals (DC) in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Shafali crushed a 45-ball 84 as DC set a mammoth target of 224 runs for RCB at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday March 5. The Delhi Capitals then restricted Smriti Mandhana and Co. to 163/8 to record a complete 60-run win in their tournament opener.
During a discussion on Sports18, Punam Raut was asked about her thoughts on Shafali’s punch, to which she replied:
“There’s been a big change in Shafali Verma’s hitting. He’s played the last few World Cups, his hitting used to be a bit flashy there, he used to play more in the air, but today he played quite a few ground shots. This is what he We look forward to Shafali Verma for India in the future.”
The diminutive top-order batsman particularly appreciated the Delhi Capitals’ opener for playing with the full face of the bat, explaining:
“In fact, she played a lot of the ‘V’ (straight down). You can play the full face of the bat when you play the ‘V’. She played responsibly while taking calculated risks.”
Shafali hit 10 fours and four sixes during his innings. She came within 16 of becoming the first player to score a WPL century when she was brilliantly caught by Richa Ghosh behind the wickets of Heather Knight’s bowling.
“Shafali Verma’s shot selection was commendable” – Punam Raut
![Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning laid the foundation for the Delhi Capitals' massive total. [P/C: WPL/Twitter]](https://i0.wp.com/staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/03/91701-16780844622111-1920.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
![Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning laid the foundation for the Delhi Capitals' massive total. [P/C: WPL/Twitter]](data:image/svg+xml,<svg%20xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201280%22></svg>)
Raut praised Shafali and Meg Lanning (72 of 43) for pulling together a crucial partnership, explaining:
“The way Shafali and Meg Lanning used the power play and then built up the innings after six overs, it was a good show overall. Shafali Verma’s shot selection was commendable.”
Raut added that Shafali’s coup will act as a reference point for the youth, stating:
“At this age, if you show such good timing and reading of the game, it can’t get any bigger than that. Shafali’s tackles will be an inspiration to the youngsters. It was nice to see.”
Shafali and Lanning matched a partnership of 162 runs at the opening wicket in 14.3 overs. Although both Delhi Capitals openers were dismissed in quick succession, Marizanne Kapp (39* for 17) and Jemimah Rodrigues (22* for 15) added 60 runs in just over five overs for the third wicket to lead the team to a monumental score. .
Poll: Will opening the batting with Meg Lanning keep Shafali Verma in good stead going forward?
3 votes
Comment sparingly
gifs
Be the first to comment
follow us