Shafali Verma determined to deliver T20 World Cup for India after leading Under-19s to glory

Verma captained India to a seven-wicket win over England in the final of the inaugural Under-19s Women's T20 World Cup, the first ICC trophy won by India Women

Shafali Verma is determined to win the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup for India after leading the Under-19s to glory against England.

Verma captained India to a seven-wicket win over Grace Scrivens' England in the final of the inaugural Under-19s Women's T20 World Cup in Potchefstroom, the first ICC trophy won by India Women.  

The allrounder, who turned 19 on the eve of the final, was overcome with emotion during the post-match presentations but was quick to shower praise on her teammates: "Incredible. The way they all performed, they all backed each other – I'm so happy.

"Thanks to all the staff, they're backing us every day and telling us we are here for the cup. Thanks to the BCCI for giving me so much confidence, giving me this beautiful team – they are incredible in every game. I'm very happy we won the cup."

Asked if it was the only trophy she was planning on bringing back from South Africa, Verma, who has been named in India's 15-strong squad for the Women's T20 World Cup, replied: "No, the big one also."

^{India's players look on during the final (ICC)}

Head coach and former India international, Nooshin Al Khadeer, believes the result is just the beginning of a successful period for India: "This is the first time we've won the cup. [Doing it] with the Under-19s, it shows the depth we have and what is there for us in the future.

"The most special thing about [this group] is the belief. It was a bad game against Australia but the way they have gathered and played thereafter, all credit to the vibes we have. We kept it very simple; we thought we would just play proper cricket and simple cricket, and we would achieve this.

"We have a good future back in India."

As for England, after being skittled out for 68 – the second match in a row where they failed to reach three figures – Scrivens couldn't hide her disappointment.

"We're gutted," she said. "Our batting let us down hugely. We've been so good throughout the tournament, going hard at bowlers, and we didn't do that today.

^{Grace Scrivens was named player of the tournament (ICC)}

"That mindset [of] being fearless and trying to take the game on, we tried that today but it didn't quite come off."

On a personal note, Scrivens picked up the player of the tournament award after scoring 293 runs – second only to India batter Shweta Sehrawat – and taking nine wickets.

"I was quite pleased [with my performances]," she added. "I was hitting it quite well and keeping the stumps in play – not sure they were all pretty wickets but I'll take them.

"I've never really played abroad so it's an amazing experience. The pitches are a bit different, you have to adapt quickly, and the heat is something you have to deal with."

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