Indian cricketer Shafali Verma once again grabbed headlines with another brilliant knock. The youngster is creating ripples with her batting over the past few months. She helped Birmingham Phoenix to a comfortable 10 wicket win on Monday.
Shafali Verma had a quiet hundred tournament so far. But she fired all cylinders when it is needed as Birmingham are on a three match losing streak. The brilliantly talented cricketer created havoc as she reached 50 in 22 balls alone.
However, she slowed down a bit to give a chance to her partner Jones to reach her fifty. Both the openers helped Birmingham to an easy win after some brilliant work by their bowlers against Welsh fire. Verma’s innings featured 9 fours and 2 sixes and saw the team through to the win with 24 balls to spare.
Both the openers have played well as they put an unbeaten 131 run stand in just 76 balls. On the other hand, Welsh Fire players failed to get any momentum while batting earlier in the day.
Apart from Bryony Smith, others could not convert their starts. Even Smith struggled to make an impact as she managed to score 38 runs from 36 balls. Birmingham Phoenix bowlers shined with their disciplined bowling. Kirstie Gordon was the pick of the bowlers amongst a collective effort. Opener Eve Jones also chipped in with a wicket.
Watch the innings here
.@TheShafaliVerma took the #BirminghamPhoenix Women across the line with her unbeaten innings of 76 runs off 42 balls! ЁЯдп
ЁЯУ║ Watch the highlights from this match on #FanCode ЁЯСЙ https://t.co/nU9xcoucCr#TheHundredOnFanCode #CricketOnFanCode #TheHundred@thehundred pic.twitter.com/wMzmi2TQIF
— FanCode (@FanCode) August 10, 2021
Meanwhile, a win in this match has helped Birmingham Phoenix stay in contention for the play offs. After losing three games in a row, the morale was low in the team. However, the win will keep them in good stead for the upcoming matches.
Shafali Verma’s return to form will be a huge factor for the team. The 17-year old can change the game on her own. Considering 100 is the shortest format, it is evident that Shafali could become an X-factor and determine the chances of Birmingham in this tournament.
With the win, Birmingham Phoenix moved to 5th place in the table with 4 points. Southern Brave Women are leading the table with 10 points. The other three of the top four has seven points each.
