'We got out of the same situation last year': Shafali Verma backs India to handle the pressure

Shafali Verma has backed India to handle the pressure of a must-win situation, insisting the side has been here before as they prepare for a crucial Women's T20 World Cup 2026 clash with Bangladesh at Old Trafford. With their semifinal aspirations on the line, the opener struck a confident note, pointing to the team's ability to navigate similar high-stakes moments in the past.

Speaking ahead of the Group A fixture in Manchester, Verma also declared that she now considers herself a complete all-rounder, ready to raise her hand and contribute in any situation the team requires.

Bouncing back from the South Africa setback

India arrive at this game needing to respond to a six-wicket defeat against South Africa — their first loss of the tournament. Verma acknowledged the result had dented morale, but stressed that the group had quickly come together to refocus.

She explained that whenever the team has a bad day, the dip in spirits is natural, but the priority is to regroup and motivate one another. In their huddle, she said, the players spoke openly about the importance of the game and committed to backing each other and giving their best in preparation.

Embracing the all-rounder tag

One of the more notable developments has been Verma's growing role with the ball. She returned tidy figures of one for 22 from her four overs against South Africa, a contribution that has bolstered her belief in her bowling.

Verma said she now firmly regards herself as an all-rounder, having long worked on her bowling in domestic cricket for Haryana, including as a captain. She has prepared and worked hard for the chance to bowl for India, and is keen to put her hand up and serve the team in whatever situation arises.

A positive camp despite the stakes

Far from being weighed down by the pressure, Verma described a buoyant mood around the squad. She spoke of a team bonding session that combined skills work with some enjoyment, leaving the players feeling well prepared heading into the contest.

At the same time, she was careful to stress respect for the opposition, noting that India cannot take any team lightly and that Bangladesh have come to the tournament to play good cricket. India's approach, she said, would be to take things game by game and focus on producing their best.

The qualification picture

The stakes could hardly be clearer. India sit on four points after three matches, holding second place in Group A thanks to their superior net run-rate, with South Africa and Bangladesh also level on four points. That congestion has turned the fixture into a effective knockout for both sides.

A victory would put India firmly back in control of their semifinal destiny, while a slip-up would leave them sweating on results elsewhere in a tightly poised group.

Bangladesh eyeing an upset

Bangladesh, too, remain very much in the hunt for a last-four spot and will fancy their chances of springing a surprise. Their camp has spoken of the need to adapt to the conditions and for their openers to deliver the kind of solid starts that can lay a platform on a surface expected to assist both spin and seam.

With both teams chasing the same prize, the subcontinental rivalry promises an absorbing contest in Manchester.

The final word

For India, Verma's words carry the message the team will be hoping to embody — calm under pressure, drawing on hard-earned experience, and ready to deliver when it matters most. If they can translate that belief into a complete performance, they will go a long way towards securing their place in the semifinals.