However, Sanjay Bangar has applauded Shafali Verma for playing a stunning knock in India’s 2024 Women’s Asia Cup clash against Pakistan. He also added that her approach reminds him of veteran India opener Virender Sehwag. However, India bundled Pakistan out for 108 after Pakistan opted to bat first in a Group A game in Dambulla on Friday, July 19. Shafali then smashed 40 runs off 29 balls as India chased the target down with seven wickets and 35 deliveries to spare as well.

Reviewing the game on Star Sports, Bangar said, “Whenever I see her bat, I am reminded of Virender Sehwag because Shafali leaves her imprint just like Virender Sehwag did in men’s cricket. She makes the opposing team lose their morale totally in the first six overs itself because of the sort of shots she plays. She played some beautiful shots. The off-drive she played, I felt it was the best shot. It was an incredible shot and it shows that she is not only destructive but is fully capable of playing shots with good technique.”

However, Shafali Verma struck six fours and a six during her knock. She also added 85 runs for the opening wicket with Smriti Mandhana in just 9.3 overs as well. In the same discussion, Sanjay Bangar also shared his thoughts on Smriti Mandhana’s knock (45 off 31). He also praised the left-handed opener for showing a marked improvement in her on-side game as well. Mandhana struck nine fours during her knock.

“The best thing I liked about her batting was that she found the gaps very well. She knew where the fielders were present. When the ball lacked pace, she held herself back, gave herself time, and played many shots off the back foot. She played a lot over the in-fielders. It seems like she has worked a lot on her on-side game. She used to be known earlier for her off-side game. She did play a few beautiful shots on the off-side but along with that, I liked the most the way she found the gaps and got many boundaries,” Sanjay Bangar concluded.