Shafali Verma says India need to assess batting unit after Thailand win
Shafali Verma said India need to check their batting unit after a collapse from 90 for one to 127 for six despite a 94-run win over Thailand in the Women's Asia Cup opener.
India opener Shafali Verma said the team's batting unit will have to assess its shortcomings on turning pitches despite opening with a 94-run victory over Thailand in the Women's Asia Cup opener in Dubai. Shafali smashed 64 off 36 balls, but India slumped from 90 for one to 127 for six before recovering to post 159 for nine. Deepti Sharma's record three-wicket burst without conceding a run powered India to the thumping victory.
Nandini Sharma also took three wickets as India restricted Thailand to 65. Harmanpreet Kaur said the team cannot take any opponent lightly after the win. Shafali noted that Thailand's spinners, led by Suleeporn Laomi's three-wicket haul, exploited the conditions effectively.
India made a strong start with the bat through Shafali but suffered an inexplicable collapse that required the lower order to recover. The team will look to address the middle-order vulnerabilities when they face their next opponent in the tournament.
CricHubb Take
The middle-order collapse on a turning pitch is the detail that matters more than the 94-run margin. India's next opponent will target the same phase of play, and how the middle order responds will determine whether the opener's start becomes a platform or a false positive.