‘We will go back & see where we are going wrong’ – Shafali Verma on India’s turning pitch struggles

‘We will go back & see where we are going wrong’ – Shafali Verma on India’s turning pitch struggles. (Photo Source: BCCI Women)

India faced Thailand in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on August 30, 2026. India posted 159 for 9 in 20 overs, while Thailand was bowled out for 65 in 15.3 overs, giving India a 94-run victory. The match highlighted India’s batting struggles on turning pitches despite the dominant margin of victory.

Shafali Verma scored 64 off 36 balls with eight fours and three sixes to anchor India’s innings. However, the middle order collapsed significantly after India reached 91 for 1. Harmanpreet Kaur managed only 5 off 9 balls, Richa Ghosh scored 0, and Deepti Sharma added 5 as the team slumped to 127 for 6 before crawling to their final total of 159 for 9.

“We will just go back and see where we are going wrong as a batting unit and where we can improve. Today’s game is done and we did really well, and whenever we go to our room, we are just thinking about what we can improve and what we can give more to the team,” Shafali said in a post-match press conference.

Understanding the pitch conditions and technical challenges

India’s opening batter acknowledged the team’s awareness of the pitch conditions before the match began. The Dubai surface was expected to offer turn and grip as the game progressed, a factor the Indian team had prepared for during their training sessions.

“As we all know, we came here and before that also, we all knew there would be a turning track, there would be a bit of hold, so we were aware about this track,” Shafali added.

Shafali explained how the pitch behaviour changed as the match unfolded, with the new ball offering different conditions compared to the older ball. She described the challenges faced by batters as the surface began to grip and turn more noticeably.

“Talking about the track with the new ball, the ball was coming very nicely. After the ball gets old, there is a bit of hold and there is a bit of turn,” she further said.

Shafali reflected on her own dismissal during the innings, acknowledging a technical error that cost her wicket on a pitch that was becoming increasingly difficult. She had prepared extensively for these conditions, drawing on her experience from playing in the UAE during the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup two years earlier.

“As a batter, I was set at that time. I just made a bit of a mistake. The ball gripped a little bit and came a little late. I might have been able to play it grounded,” Shafali said.

“Two years back we came here for the World Cup, so I know the conditions and I am prepared. Back home, I was just preparing for this track and all,” the Indian opener stated.

Praising Thailand’s growth in women’s cricket

Despite the challenges faced by the batting unit, Shafali credited the Thailand bowlers for their performance and acknowledged the growing standard of women’s cricket in the region. She emphasised the importance of continued improvement and hard work across the sport.

“It’s just cricket, in the end. I know we have to grow and we’re just trying hard to show good cricket in the middle. We have practised hard for that, but just credit to the Thailand bowlers,” Shafali said.

“As a team, we are so happy with the way women’s cricket is growing and the way they are improving. Hats off to them. I would say to them, just keep working hard. We are all so happy just seeing the improvement in women’s cricket.” Shafali said.

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