Shafali Verma broke down into tears after her side made history, lifting the inaugural ICC Under 19 Womens T20 World Cup by beating England in the final on Sunday.
It came down as the biggest day in women’s cricket in India as it is the first World Cup for India women’s team at any level. Moreover, Verma, who was a part of the Indian side which lost the final of the 2020 T20 World Cup, was overwhelmed after leading the U19 side to the first ever cricket world cup for India.
Speaking after the game, Verma, who turned 19 on the eve of the final, acknowledged the opportunity to lead a talented bunch players in this tournament.
“Thanks to the staff, the way they have been backing us everyday and telling us that we are here for the cup and because of them we are here. Thanks to the BCCI for giving me this beautiful team and I am really happy for winning the cup,”
Verma said.
She further reflected her views on the team overall and how much she is impressed with each and everyone.
“The players have been backing me a lot. The way all the girls are performing and backing each other, so happy. Incredible feeling”.
India coach Nooshin Al Khadeer, who was a part of the Indian side which lost the 2005 World Cup final in the same county, South Africa, went on to mention how special this win is for her personally.
“It is a fabulous feeling. This is the feeling we have been waiting for a very long time. This is the first time we won the cup and it has come with the U-19 kids. Just shows the kind of depth we have and what is there for us in the future,”
he said.
Verma and Richa Ghosh will join the Indian senior team, eyeing to carry the winning momentum to the senior T20 World Cup which is scheduled to start next month.
