India opener Shafali Verma is relishing the prospect of facing the South African pacers in their must-win Women’s World Cup match on Sunday.
The teenager has not been in the best of form in the ongoing tournament and was dropped from the playing XI before being called back for the game against Australia.
“Coaches were backing me when I was in nets. Our batting coach always gave me confidence which is a very good thing. He always worked on my weak and strong points."
“I worked on my mistakes, and tried to improve on a day-by-day basis, and I am doing that even now - physically, mentally and skills-wise."
Shafali has come a long way and alongside the elegant Smriti Mandhana, forms one of the most explosive opening pairings in women’s cricket.
However, on tours of England and Australia last year, she was peppered with short balls and didn’t look comfortable against them.
“I have worked on playing short balls. I have improved but want to keep getting better at it, whether that be against the short ball or a strong point of mine," she said.