The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday released TV and digital viewing figures for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 group stage, setting new TV and digital records and becoming the most-watched women`s cricket event ever.&nbsp;

Across ICC's digital and social platforms, fans have engaged in greater numbers than ever before with an unprecedented 701 million video views to date.&nbsp;

This is a record for ICC women's events with the previous best coming in 2017 for the Women's Cricket World Cup, which netted a total of 100 million views from the whole event.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the official tournament social channels have attracted 34 million engagements and over 2 billion impressions with fans.&nbsp;

Through the ICC's global broadcast partner, the event has been shown in almost 160 territories across the world through live and highlights television coverage.&nbsp;

Continuing the TV viewership records, Australia's opening game against India became the second most-watched women's match in Australia with a combined average audience of 448,000 across the networks.&nbsp;

Whilst in India, the same game saw a reach of 20 million and an average audience of 3.55 million which is 39 per cent higher than the most-watched match at the ICC Women`s World Twenty20 2018 edition.&nbsp;

The first 12 matches of this event have attracted 2.46 billion viewing minutes in India versus 787 million viewing minutes for the same matches in the 2018 event.&nbsp;

This represents a 213 per cent increase. The final of the tournament will be played between host Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) later in the day.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday released TV and digital viewing figures for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 group stage, setting new TV and digital records and becoming the most-watched women`s cricket event ever.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday released TV and digital viewing figures for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 group stage, setting new TV and digital records and becoming the most-watched women`s cricket event ever. Across ICC's digital and social platforms, fans have engaged in greater numbers than ever before with an unprecedented 701 million video views to date. This is a record for ICC women's events with the previous best coming in 2017 for the Women's Cricket World Cup, which netted a total of 100 million views from the whole event. Meanwhile, the official tournament social channels have attracted 34 million engagements and over 2 billion impressions with fans. Through the ICC's global broadcast partner, the event has been shown in almost 160 territories across the world through live and highlights television coverage. Continuing the TV viewership records, Australia's opening game against India became the second most-watched women's match in Australia with a combined average audience of 448,000 across the networks. Whilst in India, the same game saw a reach of 20 million and an average audience of 3.55 million which is 39 per cent higher than the most-watched match at the ICC Women`s World Twenty20 2018 edition. The first 12 matches of this event have attracted 2.46 billion viewing minutes in India versus 787 million viewing minutes for the same matches in the 2018 event. This represents a 213 per cent increase. The final of the tournament will be played between host Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) later in the day.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup breaks all audience records

Defending champions Australia has proceeded into the finals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup after beating the South African women's cricket team by 5 runs (DLS) on Thursday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-india-progress-to-finals-after-semifinal-match-gets-abandoned-284411" hreflang="en">ICC Women's T20 World Cup: India progress to finals after semifinal match gets abandoned</a>

Despite losing Perry, Australia must not be underestimated as they stunned the cup favourites South Africa team.

Australian women's team scored 134 runs by the end of the 20 overs. Their captain Meg Lanning led the team from the front as she scored 49 runs (not out).

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-semifinal-why-indias-women-in-blue-will-beat-england-284286" hreflang="en">ICC Women's T20 World Cup semifinal: Why India's 'Women in Blue' will beat England</a>

South African innings were revised due to rain. The revised target is 98 runs off 13 overs. The Proteas fell five runs short of the target scoring 92 runs off 5 wickets in 20 overs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-shafali-verma-stars-as-india-qualify-for-semifinals-283099">ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Shafali Verma stars as India qualify for semifinals</a>

The hosts (Australians) will now face India in the final match on Sunday.&nbsp; For the first time in their history, India has qualified for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/teen-sensation-shafali-verma-now-has-highest-strike-rate-in-womens-t20is-283027">Teen sensation Shafali Verma now has highest strike-rate in Women's T20Is</a>

The 'Women in Blue' are having a dream-run in this years ICC T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet and Co are the only unbeaten side in the tournament. They started their campaign by defeating the defending Champs and hosts Australia by 17 runs. Aussies will be eyeing redemption against the 'women in blue'.

Australia's star all-rounder Ellyse Perry is out of the tournament after she was struck by a hamstring injury during their match with New Zealand.

India's explosive opener Shafali Verma and bowler Poonam Yadav's form could guide the women to their maiden ICC trophy.

&nbsp;

Defending champions Australia has proceeded into the finals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup after beating the South African women's cricket team by 5 runs (DLS) on Thursday.

Defending champions Australia has proceeded into the finals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup after beating the South African women's cricket team by 5 runs (DLS) on Thursday. Also read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup: India progress to finals after semifinal match gets abandoned Despite losing Perry, Australia must not be underestimated as they stunned the cup favourites South Africa team. Australian women's team scored 134 runs by the end of the 20 overs. Their captain Meg Lanning led the team from the front as she scored 49 runs (not out). Also see: ICC Women's T20 World Cup semifinal: Why India's 'Women in Blue' will beat England South African innings were revised due to rain. The revised target is 98 runs off 13 overs. The Proteas fell five runs short of the target scoring 92 runs off 5 wickets in 20 overs. Also read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Shafali Verma stars as India qualify for semifinals The hosts (Australians) will now face India in the final match on Sunday. For the first time in their history, India has qualified for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup final. Also read: Teen sensation Shafali Verma now has highest strike-rate in Women's T20Is The 'Women in Blue' are having a dream-run in this years ICC T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet and Co are the only unbeaten side in the tournament. They started their campaign by defeating the defending Champs and hosts Australia by 17 runs. Aussies will be eyeing redemption against the 'women in blue'. Australia's star all-rounder Ellyse Perry is out of the tournament after she was struck by a hamstring injury during their match with New Zealand. India's explosive opener Shafali Verma and bowler Poonam Yadav's form could guide the women to their maiden ICC trophy.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup: India set to face Australia in finals

Indian women's team are set to face England in the first semifinals clash on Thursday. The match will be played on Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?

Indian women's team are set to face England in the first semifinals clash on Thursday. The match will be played on Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83? The 'Women in Blue' are having a dream-run in this years ICC T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet and Co are the only unbeaten side in the tournament. They started their campaign by defeating the defending Champs and hosts Australia by 17 runs. Also read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Shafali Verma stars as India qualify for semifinals The second match was played against Bangladesh, India won the match by 18 runs. Indian women's team had a close encounter against the New Zealand women's team. But the Indian side managed to win by 3 runs. Also read: Teen sensation Shafali Verma now has highest strike-rate in Women's T20Is India topped their table after beating Sri Lanka by 7 wickets. England women's team started their campaign with a loss against South Africa (SA topped their table). They were defeated by 6 wickets. But the English side was back on track after thrashing Thailand by 98 runs. They defeated Pakistan and West Indies by 42 and 46 runs respectively. England's bowling attack has been world-class whereas India's Shafali Verma is leading the mighty Indian batting side. India and England, both have managed to defend their totals well. The weather is predicted to play spoilsport as heavy rains lash East Australia. Final two matches (Pakistan women's team vs Thailand women's team and South Africa women's team vs West Indies women's team) were abandoned without a ball being bowled due to the rain. India will qualify just in case the rain spoils the match as they topped the table, whereas, England were second in their pool. Squads: India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(captain), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Taniya Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Veda Krishnamurthy, Pooja Vastrakar, Harleen Deol England: Amy Ellen Jones(wicket-keeper), Danielle Wyatt, Fran Wilson, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield, Heather Knight (captain), Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Natalie Sciver, Georgia Elwiss, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Mady Villiers

ICC women's T20 World Cup: India are set to face England in semifinals

India`s 16-year-old sensation Shafali Verma now has the highest strike-rate in Women`s T20Is.The opening batter has scored 438 runs in the shortest format of the game at a strike-rate of 147.97 and has surpassed South Africa`s Chloe Tryon and Australia`s Alyssa Healy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shafali-verma-indian-womens-cricket-sensation-needed-boys-haircut-to-play-254184">Shafali Verma, Indian women's cricket sensation needed boy's haircut to play</a>

The official handle of the T20 World Cup posted the stat on Twitter and captioned the post as: "Highest career strike rates in women`s T20Is (min. 200 runs)--Shafali Verma - 438 runs at 147.97, Chloe Tryon - 722 runs at 138.31, Alyssa Healy - 1,875 runs at 129.66, the 16-year-old is top of the tree".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-t20-world-cup-can-indian-womens-cricket-team-repeat-an-83-281967">ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?</a>

India is currently playing against New Zealand in the Women`s T20 World Cup. In the match, Shafali played a knock of 46 runs. In the tournament, she has so far registered 114 runs. In the match, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. A spirited bowling performance helped New Zealand restrict India to 133/8 in the allotted twenty overs.

India's playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia (w), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

New Zealand's playing XI: Sophie Devine (c), Rachel Priest (w), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Anna Peterson, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair.

India has been in sublime form in the tournament as they have won both their matches so far. On the other hand, New Zealand has only played one match in the tournament, against Sri Lanka and won the game by seven wickets. Therefore, both teams will look to remain undefeated in the World Cup.

India`s 16-year-old sensation Shafali Verma now has the highest strike-rate in Women`s T20Is.The opening batter has scored 438 runs in the shortest format of the game at a strike-rate of 147.

India`s 16-year-old sensation Shafali Verma now has the highest strike-rate in Women`s T20Is.The opening batter has scored 438 runs in the shortest format of the game at a strike-rate of 147.97 and has surpassed South Africa`s Chloe Tryon and Australia`s Alyssa Healy. Also read: Shafali Verma, Indian women's cricket sensation needed boy's haircut to play The official handle of the T20 World Cup posted the stat on Twitter and captioned the post as: "Highest career strike rates in women`s T20Is (min. 200 runs)--Shafali Verma - 438 runs at 147.97, Chloe Tryon - 722 runs at 138.31, Alyssa Healy - 1,875 runs at 129.66, the 16-year-old is top of the tree". Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83? India is currently playing against New Zealand in the Women`s T20 World Cup. In the match, Shafali played a knock of 46 runs. In the tournament, she has so far registered 114 runs. In the match, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. A spirited bowling performance helped New Zealand restrict India to 133/8 in the allotted twenty overs. India's playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia (w), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad. New Zealand's playing XI: Sophie Devine (c), Rachel Priest (w), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Anna Peterson, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair. India has been in sublime form in the tournament as they have won both their matches so far. On the other hand, New Zealand has only played one match in the tournament, against Sri Lanka and won the game by seven wickets. Therefore, both teams will look to remain undefeated in the World Cup.

Teen sensation Shafali Verma now has highest strike-rate in Women's T20Is

Former opening batsman Virender Sehwag lauded India's women's cricket team for holding their nerves and beating New Zealand in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in Australia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-shafali-verma-stars-as-india-qualify-for-semifinals-283099">Also Read: Shafali Verma stars as India qualify for semifinals</a>

"Wah bhai Wah ! Great effort by the girls to hold on to their nerves and beat New Zealand and qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup," Sehwag said on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wah bhai Wah ! Great effort by the girls to hold on to their nerves and beat New Zealand and qualify for the semi finals of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> 
Shafali Varma is a rockstar. Anand aa raha hai ladkiyon ka performance dekhne mein. <a href="https://t.co/euq2368NTF">pic.twitter.com/euq2368NTF</a>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1232946716678270976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Shafali Varma is a rockstar. Anand aa raha hai ladkiyon ka performance dekhne mein(enjoying watching the performance of the girls).

India beat New Zealand by three runs to enter the last four of the tournament. The Indian side has been unbeaten in the women's World Cup T20I so far.&nbsp;

Shafali Verma was declared the "Player of the Match" after her match-winning performance hitting 46 runs in 34 balls with four boundaries and a six.

Indian batters had posted a slightly below-par score of 138/8 in 20 overs but the Indian bowlers defended the target with each bowler picking up wickets.

Shikha Pandey was the star bowler in the end as she throttled the Kiwis in the last over with just four runs needed for victory. Pandey bowled a yorker to get Jensen run out off the final ball after being hit for a boundary in the previous ball.

Former opening batsman Virender Sehwag lauded India's women's cricket team for holding their nerves and beating New Zealand in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Former opening batsman Virender Sehwag lauded India's women's cricket team for holding their nerves and beating New Zealand in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in Australia. Also Read: Shafali Verma stars as India qualify for semifinals "Wah bhai Wah ! Great effort by the girls to hold on to their nerves and beat New Zealand and qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup," Sehwag said on Twitter. Wah bhai Wah ! Great effort by the girls to hold on to their nerves and beat New Zealand and qualify for the semi finals of the #T20WorldCup Shafali Varma is a rockstar. Anand aa raha hai ladkiyon ka performance dekhne mein. pic.twitter.com/euq2368NTF — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 27, 2020 × "Shafali Varma is a rockstar. Anand aa raha hai ladkiyon ka performance dekhne mein(enjoying watching the performance of the girls). India beat New Zealand by three runs to enter the last four of the tournament. The Indian side has been unbeaten in the women's World Cup T20I so far. Shafali Verma was declared the "Player of the Match" after her match-winning performance hitting 46 runs in 34 balls with four boundaries and a six. Indian batters had posted a slightly below-par score of 138/8 in 20 overs but the Indian bowlers defended the target with each bowler picking up wickets. Shikha Pandey was the star bowler in the end as she throttled the Kiwis in the last over with just four runs needed for victory. Pandey bowled a yorker to get Jensen run out off the final ball after being hit for a boundary in the previous ball.

Wah bhai Wah! says Sehwag after India beat New Zealand in ICC Women's T20 World Cup

Indian women's cricket team dominating campaign in the ICC women's T20 World Cup continues as the women in blue have qualified for the semifinals after beating New Zealand by three runs.

Indian women's cricket team dominating campaign in the ICC women's T20 World Cup continues as the women in blue have qualified for the semifinals after beating New Zealand by three runs. Also read: Teen sensation Shafali Verma now has highest strike-rate in Women's T20Is The Indian side is the only unbeaten side in the tournament. India survived after nearly losing the game to the Kiwis, New Zealand needed 4 off the last ball. But Shikha Pandey's final delivery was a wicket after Hayley Jenson was run out. Shafali Verma's 46 runs played a vital role in the game for India. Other Indian batswoman failed to perform well a kept they kept losing wickets. By the end of the 20 overs, India's score stood at 133 for 8 wickets. In reply, New Zealand's Amelia Karr scored (34 runs) the most for the team. All the Indian bowlers (Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Rajeshwari Gaikwad, Poonam Yadav and Radha Yadav ) scalped one wicket each. India's Shikha Pandey proved to be the most economical bowler. New Zealand scored 130/6 by the end of 20 overs. Shafali Verma was adjudged 'Player of the Match'. India is yet to face Sri Lanka before progressing into semis. Their semifinals opponent is yet to be decided.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Shafali Verma stars as India qualify for semifinals

India's 15-year-old women's cricket sensation Shafali Verma had to get her hair cut like a boy so that she could get into the local academy to train, her father said.

Now India's cricket establishment is relying on Verma, who made her Twenty20 debut for the national team against South Africa last month and will soon go on a tour of the West Indies.

The teenager has become known for her aggressive batting. But her father Sanjeev Verma told of the struggle to get her daughter accepted in games.

"I introduced her to cricket when she was eight or nine. I used to take her to play neighbourhood teams on Sundays," he said.

"Most teams refused to play against her. They said that she could get hurt and that I would complain if that happened.

"Even when I insisted she was my daughter and I was okay, most didn't agree," said Verma, who makes jewellery in Rohtak near New Delhi.

That is when he decided to give her a "boy's haircut" to trick opponents.

"At eight or nine, all kids look the same. After the haircut, most didn't even notice she was a girl and she started playing regularly at weekends," he said.

The father said he was never worried about seeing her play against male teams, believing it would improve her skills.&nbsp;

But when he tried to get professional training, he hit a new equality obstacle when academies refused to take Shefali.

"Most in town refused to take a girl. I eventually found one which took boys and girls. It was eight kilometres (five miles) from our house and she used to cycle there for training each day," the proud parent added.

Father and daughter are "diehard fans" of Sachin Tendulkar, holder of many scoring records and a legend in Indian cricket.

"I have always been a Sachin fan and I made sure that I introduced her to his batting very early. We watched so many Sachin innings together," he said.

With Shafali already in the national team, at least two other members of the Verma family hope to find cricket success.

Shafali's 17-year-old brother, Sahil, also hopes to rise through the ranks.

"Even my youngest daughter Nancy, 6, has started playing cricket. Both of them are inspired by their sister. I just hope she plays for the national team for a long time and is part of the first Indian women's team to win the World Cup," he said.

India's 15-year-old women's cricket sensation Shafali Verma had to get her hair cut like a boy so that she could get into the local academy to train, her father said.

India's 15-year-old women's cricket sensation Shafali Verma had to get her hair cut like a boy so that she could get into the local academy to train, her father said. Now India's cricket establishment is relying on Verma, who made her Twenty20 debut for the national team against South Africa last month and will soon go on a tour of the West Indies. The teenager has become known for her aggressive batting. But her father Sanjeev Verma told of the struggle to get her daughter accepted in games. "I introduced her to cricket when she was eight or nine. I used to take her to play neighbourhood teams on Sundays," he said. "Most teams refused to play against her. They said that she could get hurt and that I would complain if that happened. "Even when I insisted she was my daughter and I was okay, most didn't agree," said Verma, who makes jewellery in Rohtak near New Delhi. That is when he decided to give her a "boy's haircut" to trick opponents. "At eight or nine, all kids look the same. After the haircut, most didn't even notice she was a girl and she started playing regularly at weekends," he said. The father said he was never worried about seeing her play against male teams, believing it would improve her skills. But when he tried to get professional training, he hit a new equality obstacle when academies refused to take Shefali. "Most in town refused to take a girl. I eventually found one which took boys and girls. It was eight kilometres (five miles) from our house and she used to cycle there for training each day," the proud parent added. Father and daughter are "diehard fans" of Sachin Tendulkar, holder of many scoring records and a legend in Indian cricket. "I have always been a Sachin fan and I made sure that I introduced her to his batting very early. We watched so many Sachin innings together," he said. With Shafali already in the national team, at least two other members of the Verma family hope to find cricket success. Shafali's 17-year-old brother, Sahil, also hopes to rise through the ranks. "Even my youngest daughter Nancy, 6, has started playing cricket. Both of them are inspired by their sister. I just hope she plays for the national team for a long time and is part of the first Indian women's team to win the World Cup," he said.

Shafali Verma, Indian women's cricket sensation needed boy's haircut to play

Velocity batswoman Danielle Wyatt lauded her teammate and 15-year-old Shafali Verma, calling her the next superstar for India after her promising knock of 34 against Trailblazers in the Women`s T20 Challenge at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Wednesday.

"Shafali is going to be a superstar for India probably in a year or so. I think she`ll break into India team. She stood out for me in the nets from day one as soon as we got into nets. I saw this girl batting, didn`t think she was this young but then the coach said she is only 15," Wyatt said after the match.

"She's going to be incredible. She was properly striking the ball. She was really nice to bat with. I kept telling her to hit straight. I think on that wicket if you poke that's when you're in trouble. I told her to keep whacking it. She knows all the bowlers well," she added.

When asked about the flurry of wickets in the 18th over when Velocity needed just two runs, the English cricketer said, "I don`t know what play they were playing. I did say play it straight because there`s no spin. So you hit straight, hit the fielders hard. Me and Hayley (Matthews) were like what's going on. I guess, we made it entertaining for the crowd."

Trailblazers'&nbsp;Deepti Sharma came to bowl the 18th over when Velocity were 111/4.

The off-spinner bowled Mithali Raj (17), and Shikha Pandey and Amelia Kerr for a golden duck each.

However, on the last delivery, Sushree Dibyadarshini finally got Velocity over the line.

Reflecting on the wicket, Wyatt said, "I thought it was a lot easier to hit straight down the ground (especially against compatriot Sophie Ecclestone). It was a little skiddy as well so didn't want to do sweeping. If the required run-rate was higher, probably would have done some more because she was bowling outside off stump."

"I think the wicket was really good. I learned we need to hit the pockets. So extra-cover, mid-wicket pocket and just hit straight and get to pitch the ball which we did a lot better than they (Trailblazers) did. They hit the fielders in the deep a lot more than what we did. The wicket played fine. We found the gaps more than they did," she added.

Velocity will next meet Harmanpreet Kaur-led Supernovas on May 9 at the same venue at 7:30 pm (IST).

Velocity batswoman Danielle Wyatt lauded her teammate and 15-year-old Shafali Verma, calling her the next superstar for India after her promising knock of 34 against Trailblazers in the Women`s T20 Challenge at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Wednesday.

Velocity batswoman Danielle Wyatt lauded her teammate and 15-year-old Shafali Verma, calling her the next superstar for India after her promising knock of 34 against Trailblazers in the Women`s T20 Challenge at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Wednesday. "Shafali is going to be a superstar for India probably in a year or so. I think she`ll break into India team. She stood out for me in the nets from day one as soon as we got into nets. I saw this girl batting, didn`t think she was this young but then the coach said she is only 15," Wyatt said after the match. "She's going to be incredible. She was properly striking the ball. She was really nice to bat with. I kept telling her to hit straight. I think on that wicket if you poke that's when you're in trouble. I told her to keep whacking it. She knows all the bowlers well," she added. When asked about the flurry of wickets in the 18th over when Velocity needed just two runs, the English cricketer said, "I don`t know what play they were playing. I did say play it straight because there`s no spin. So you hit straight, hit the fielders hard. Me and Hayley (Matthews) were like what's going on. I guess, we made it entertaining for the crowd." Trailblazers' Deepti Sharma came to bowl the 18th over when Velocity were 111/4. The off-spinner bowled Mithali Raj (17), and Shikha Pandey and Amelia Kerr for a golden duck each. However, on the last delivery, Sushree Dibyadarshini finally got Velocity over the line. Reflecting on the wicket, Wyatt said, "I thought it was a lot easier to hit straight down the ground (especially against compatriot Sophie Ecclestone). It was a little skiddy as well so didn't want to do sweeping. If the required run-rate was higher, probably would have done some more because she was bowling outside off stump." "I think the wicket was really good. I learned we need to hit the pockets. So extra-cover, mid-wicket pocket and just hit straight and get to pitch the ball which we did a lot better than they (Trailblazers) did. They hit the fielders in the deep a lot more than what we did. The wicket played fine. We found the gaps more than they did," she added. Velocity will next meet Harmanpreet Kaur-led Supernovas on May 9 at the same venue at 7:30 pm (IST).

Young Shafali Verma will be India's cricket superstar, says England's Danielle Wyatt

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