'It's not like we haven't beaten them before' - Shafali Verma backs simple approach vs Australia

India lock horns with Australia in a do-or-die contest in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London. This match will take place on Sunday, June 28.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. registered comprehensive victories against Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh in the ongoing tournament. However, the six-wicket defeat to South Africa came as a dampener, and the ODI World Cup will have to get the better of the mighty Aussies to progress to the knockouts.

Shafali Verma, India's in-form opener, acknowledged that Australia are a world-class team, but mentioned that the Women in Blue have beaten them in the past. She highlighted the recent T20I series win against Australia Down Under in February. India defeated Australia 2-1 in the three-match series, with matches being played in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide.

“Everyone knows Australia are a world-class team. But it isn’t like we have not beaten them before. We recently beat them in a T20 series in Australia and that gives us confidence," Shafali said while speaking on JioStar.

The 22-year-old stated that the Indian players know Australia's strengths and their game plans, having faced them several times over the last few years. She asserted that the Indian team will back their strengths on Sunday.

“We have been playing against them for years now. We know their bowlers, their strengths and their plans. So, we will keep things straightforward, which is important and back our own strengths," Shafali said.

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Shafali was dismissed for six runs in India's opening game against Pakistan. However, she has gone on to register two half-centuries in the last three games. The youngster admitted that she was overthinking ahead of the game against Pakistan.

“A lot of things have improved in my batting. Before the Pakistan match, I was overthinking. I was planning too much, how I would play the first ball, what shot I would play off the second ball," Shafali said.