Shafali Verma backs Indian Women’s cricket growth after Asian Games gold

Indian Women`s Team (Pic: Asian Games)

Indian star batter Shafali Verma is optimistic that Indian women's cricket is on an upward path and will expand further as the team looks to add more trophies and medals.

Shafali played a pivotal part in helping the women's team successfully defend their gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. Shafali emerged as the tournament's leading run-getter; she scored 188 runs at an average of 188 and a strike rate of over 200.

Her campaign featured a 49-ball century against Bangladesh in the semi-finals, an important 40-run knock versus Japan in the quarter-finals, and a 48-run contribution in the title clash against Sri Lanka.

India beat Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final, having previously defeated Bangladesh by 114 runs in the semi-final, and brushed aside Japan by eight wickets.

Shafali Verma wants more trophies after Asian Games success

After a successful Asian Games outing, Shafali Verma is targeting more trophies with the national team.

"I am very happy that India won the gold medal and that the tricolour was flying high. The full team is so happy. The more medals we win and the more trophies we clinch, the more our women's cricket will grow. And that is why I am so happy about it," Shafali said.

Speaking about their Asian Games win, Indian batter Pratika Rawal revealed that the team executed the plans to perfection in their aim to successfully defend their Asian Games title.

"I am extremely happy that the team has done extremely well. This is what we wanted to do. We wanted to get a gold medal, and the team has executed itself very well. The entire country is happy and cheers for everyone," Pratika said.

Asked about how defending the continental gold impacts their preparations for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Pratika added, "Yes, we are working towards that (starting as favourites for the LA Olympics in 2028). The way the team is shaping up, it's incredible to see. We are hoping for the best."

Cricket will be part of the Olympic Games for the first time next year in Los Angeles, with both the women's and men's tournaments scheduled.

(With inputs from PTI)