Having showcased her skills in international cricket, India’s Shafali Verma is finding the pace of U-19 bowlers in the ongoing junior Women’s T20 World Cup slightly easier to face

Shafali, who has represented the senior Indian women’s team in 74 games across formats, is currently leading the U-19 national side in the Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa.

The 18-year-old has already made a mark in the tournament, registering scores of 16-ball-45 and 34-ball-78 against South Africa and UAE respectively.

“There is lot of difference because the ball is coming in little slow in the U-19 and the wicket is also in the slower side and we are trying to get used to that. And of course, a little bit of difference, seamers have good pace, a good mind-set here also but they are all learning and I really enjoying playing with them,” Shafali was quoted as saying by ‘Star Sports’.

“I think it’s (U-19 T20 World Cup) very important for women’s cricket as they way Mithali (Raj) said that for growing up and developing talented players, for them it’s very good,” she added.

“Of course it’s very good feeling. It is my first and last because it’s my last year of U-19. “We have a good team, we are really enjoying with the girls and I hope we will play good cricket and of course we will be here for the world cup and we will try to achieve that,” she further said.

Under Shafali Verma, the India U-19 team has emerged victorious in both games so far.

“I would say we are doing well in batting, bowling and fielding and as captain, I hope we win the World Cup.”

Shafali also revealed that she used to idolize Sachin Tendulkar growing up and wants to inhabit the batting legend’s calmness going forward. Moreover, Shafali is also a fan of England’s Liam Livingstone among current cricketers.

“I think now-a-days, I like Livingstone’s batting because he’s hitting very well. Of course growing up, playing cricket, I used to watch Sachin Tendulkar sir. So, Sachin sir is also my role model.

“I love to watch him, how he played the game and remained calm,” she said.

(With PTI Inputs)