India opener Shafali Verma has said the team wants to secure qualification for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals without any last-minute pressure
after registering back-to-back dominant victories to begin the tournament.
India moved to the top of Group A following a comprehensive 95-run win over the Netherlands in Leeds, having already defeated Pakistan comfortably in their opening fixture.
Speaking on JioStar's 'Adidas Match Centre Live', Shafali said the dressing room remains upbeat as India look to carry their momentum deeper into the competition.
"It feels really good to win the first two matches of the T20 World Cup. We won both games by big margins, which is crucial in a tournament like this," Shafali said.
"The atmosphere in the dressing room is very positive. We want to keep winning and make sure we qualify for the semi-finals without any last-minute pressure. "
The 21-year-old added that India's all-round performances have been one of the biggest positives from the opening two matches.
"Things are going as per plan, the batting is clicking, the bowlers are delivering, and the fielding has been sharp. We need to carry this momentum into the upcoming games. Every match is important, and we are not taking anything for granted. "
Mandhana's Advice Helped Shafali Find Rhythm
After struggling to make an impact against Pakistan, Shafali bounced back strongly against the Netherlands with a more controlled innings.
The opener credited senior batter Smriti Mandhana for helping her simplify her approach at the crease.
"I decided to just watch the ball and react. I didn't overthink. The shots came naturally. I only went after deliveries in my hitting arc," she said.
"At the start, I kept reminding myself to play along the ground. Smriti didi kept telling me to watch the ball closely. It sounds like a small thing, but as a batter, it makes a huge difference. "
Shafali revealed she spent additional time working on technical aspects of her game following a disappointing series against England before the World Cup.
"The England series before the T20 World Cup didn't go the way I wanted. I wasn't timing the ball well, and my shot selection wasn't up to the mark. "
"So, I went back to the nets and worked on a few things - my footwork, my head position and my shot selection. "
She described her innings against the Netherlands as a major confidence boost and hopes to replicate the approach in the matches ahead.
Harmanpreet's Backing Gives Confidence
Shafali also praised captain Harmanpreet Kaur for the confidence she instils within the squad.
"Harman di always keeps me confident. She trusts my abilities, and I wanted to show her that I could deliver with the ball as well," Shafali said.
"Whenever the team is in a tough spot, she backs me to perform. That belief means a lot. When your captain has that kind of faith in you, it gives you a different kind of boost. "
The opener added that Harmanpreet's clarity in setting fields and planning bowling strategies makes players' roles much easier on the field.
Focus Shifts To South Africa Clash
India now have a short break before a potentially decisive Group A clash against South Africa.
Shafali insisted the team remains fully focused despite its strong start.
"We have two to three days of practice before the next match against South Africa. We all know that from here on, every game is crucial. There is no room for complacency. "
"In a World Cup, you cannot afford to take any match lightly. Every opposition is tough, and every game matters. "
"Our mindset is simple - we will go out to win every match. We are not thinking about results in advance. We are just focusing on the process and giving our best in every game. "
With two emphatic victories already secured, India will head into the South Africa contest full of confidence as they continue their pursuit of a first Women's T20 World Cup title.
