The duo, who were part of India’s victorious u-19 World Cup team were in Ahmedabad, for a few hours on Wednesday, to attend their felicitation ceremony. They are now on their way back to South Africa, the venue for the senior women’s T20 World Cup, which starts on February 10.
India are scheduled to play Pakistan on February 12.
India’s victorious women’s U19 team, led by Shafali were felicitated by batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and the BCCI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The India Under-19 team defeated England by 7 wickets in the title clash to win the inaugural edition of the tournament.
Special Triumph 🏆Special Celebrations 👏At the World’s Largest Cricket Stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad… https://t.co/ZkZzCL2npV
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) 1675269195000
“Shafali led from the front. She injected confidence into the team. She always said ‘chinta mat karo, hum jeetenge‘ (Don’t worry, we will win). She said this before every match. Her words encouraged us to do well,” Wicket-keeper batter Richa told TimesofIndia.com from South Africa before boarding the flight to Ahmedabad.
Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh (Image credit: Richa Ghosh’s Twitter handle)
“We have won the World Cup title. I have no words because the feeling of being a World Cup winner is yet to sink in. It is our first ad I am sure the future India teams will carry on the winning run,” an excited Richa said.
Such was India’s domination that they lost just one match in the entire u-19 World Cup. After beating South Africa in the opening game by 7 wickets, thanks to an unbeaten 92 off 57 balls by leading run-getter of the tournament Shweta Sehrawat, India pummelled the UAE by 122 runs and then crushed Scotland by 83 runs.
India, this is for you! 🏆❤️#U19T20WorldCup https://t.co/LZrox6Z32b
— Shafali Verma (@TheShafaliVerma) 1675063405000
India, who lost just one match – to Australia by 7 wickets – went on to register a comprehensive win over Sri Lanka by 7 wickets to book a semifinal date with New Zealand. The semifinal was almost a cakewalk for the Indian youngsters as they showed the White Ferns the exit door by beating them by 8 wickets.
The final was a completely one-sided affair for Shafali and Co. They registered an easy 7-wicket win over England, after dismissing the English for a paltry 68, to lift the trophy at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
Image credit: IANS
“This World Cup win will encourage and motivate us to win the senior World Cup. Yes, the Under-19 WC is done, it’s now time for the senior World Cup. I am confident, just like Shafali, that Harmanpreet didi will take India to a title win,” Richa further told TimesofIndia.com.
HARMANPREET’S WORDS – ‘GO AND FETCH IT’
Ahead of the World Cup final, Shafali and her team interacted with India’s senior captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Image credit: BCCI Women
“Harmanpreet didi said ‘go and fetch it, girls’. She gave some tips ahead of the final. She is an experienced player and she knows what it means to play a final. I am now focussing on the next assignment – the senior World Cup (Women’s T20 World Cup),” Richa further said.
“We had a plan for the final (vs England). We just wanted to put a lot of pressure on England and restrict them to a low score. Our plan worked well,” Richa further said.