All eyes were on Shafali Verma, 16, after India's defeat in the T20 World Cup final, and she was understandably distraught, reduced to tears and had to be consoled by her teammates. Fortunately for the young star, who has been the inspiration at the top of the order in this tournament, there were senior pros who understood the game and its vagaries.

"She's only 16, she's playing her first World Cup. She did really, really well and performed for us," said Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain. "For a 16-year-old kid, it's difficult to keep thinking positively and stay in the game. It's a learning lesson for her but it could happen to anyone. We can't blame her because there were others also in her position. We gave chances to batters in great form and it's difficult for bowlers to come back when that happens."