Shafali Verma hadn’t bowled a single over in the Women’s Premier League before this season. But as she was introduced into the attack against UP Warriorz on Wednesday, Shafali remained calm and quietly went about her business, claiming two wickets in her four overs, and conceding just 16 runs.
After her fine spell restricted UP Warriorz to 154 for eight, Shafali contributed with the willow, too, and forged a 94-run opening partnership with Lizelle Lee (67, 44b, 8×4, 3×6) as Delhi Capitals got its campaign back on track with a seven-wicket win.
AS IT HAPPENED | DC vs UPW Highlights
While the fans were deprived of watching Shafali in action as the fixture was played behind closed doors, the seasoned campaigner lit up the D.Y. Patil Stadium with her all-round performance.
As small targets are dicey, a solid game plan and clear role definitions are crucial, and with the experienced Lee bringing up her second consecutive fifty, the Capitals dominated. While a cautious Shafali held fort at one end, the hard-hitting Lee took the Warriorz bowlers to the cleaners, before eventually falling to Deepti Sharma.
Thereafter, the Capitals dragged the game till the end and nearly fluffed another chase. As the pressure mounted, Capitals needed six off the final over, but Laura Wolvaardt remained calm and guided the team home.
The evening, however, belonged to Shafali.
Shafali’s spell and Harleen ‘retired hurt’
Despite losing Kiran Navgire early on, the Warriorz rode on captain Meg Lanning’s 38-ball-54 to add 85 runs for the third wicket with Harleen Deol. However, Shafali (2/16) proved to be the game-changer as she bowled 14 dot balls and eventually slowed things down for the Warriorz.
Shafali Verma conceded just 16 runs in four overs, while accounting for two wickets.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Shafali Verma conceded just 16 runs in four overs, while accounting for two wickets.
PTI
As the pressure mounted, Lanning holed out to deep square leg, off a Nandini Sharma delivery, triggering Warriorz’ collapse. Adding to the batting side’s woes, the team management made a bizarre decision in the next over as it decided to retire out Harleen, who missed out on a fifty by three runs.
The move backfired as Chloe Tyron fell for a three-ball one.
As Shafali and Sneh Rana tightened the noose, the Warriorz’ middle-order fumbled and could score just 24 runs in the last five overs.Published on Jan 14, 2026
