India will face Australia in a must-win match in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, June 28.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side has enjoyed a strong campaign so far. India defeated Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh with convincing performances. However, a six-wicket loss to South Africa has made the final group-stage match against Australia crucial. India now needs a victory to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Ahead of the big contest, India’s in-form opener Shafali Verma expressed confidence in her team’s ability to challenge the six-time champions. She said India’s recent success against Australia has given the players belief.
Shafali Confident Ahead of Big Test
“Everyone knows Australia are a world-class team. But it isn’t like we have not beaten them before. We recently beat them in a T20 series in Australia and that gives us confidence,” Shafali said while speaking on JioStar.
India won the three-match T20I series 2-1 in Australia earlier this year. The matches were played in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide. Shafali believes the Indian players know Australia’s strengths after facing them regularly over the years.
“We have been playing against them for years now. We know their bowlers, their strengths and their plans. So, we will keep things straightforward, which is important and back our own strengths,” Shafali said.
The 22-year-old opener has been in fine form after a slow start to the tournament. She scored only six runs against Pakistan but bounced back with two half-centuries in the following three matches.
Shafali admitted that she was thinking too much before the opening game but has now simplified her approach at the crease.
“A lot of things have improved in my batting. Before the Pakistan match, I was overthinking. I was planning too much, how I would play the first ball, what shot I would play off the second ball,” Shafali said.
India will now hope their opener continues her impressive form in the biggest match of their tournament so far.
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