Netizens were all praise for star India all-rounder Shafali Verma as she picked the first wicket for India to provide the side with a massive breakthrough. The Women in Blue were up against South Africa in their third league-stage game of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on June 21, 2026. The Harmanpreet Kaur that headed into the game on the back of two massive wins, were aiming to extend their momentum. However, the Proteas Women didn’t show any mercy and dominated the game with both bat and the ball.

In their pursuit of 159, the ladies under the captaincy of Laura Wolvaardt went all guns blazing right from the first over. Though the Indian side were quick to send skipper and Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits went on to stitch a 97-run stand off 63 deliveries. However, on the first ball of the 17th over, Verma delivered a short ball, to which the batter responded by hitting towards the deep backward square. Shree Charani pulled off the catch to send Brits back to the hut at 40 runs in 36 deliveries.

Netizens laud Shafali Verma’s bowling prowess against South Africa

Considering how crucial the wicket was, netizens couldn’t hold back their excitement and went on to laud Shafali Verma. Here’s how they reacted-

Earlier with the bat, Verma put up 31 runs in 15 deliveries to finish as India’s leading scorer in the game. The Women in Blue suffered their first loss in the tournament as they were handed a six-wicket defeat by the Proteas. Marizanne Kapp was awarded Player of the Match for her brilliant 81 runs off 45 deliveries to guide the side to a much-needed win.