Picture Credit: Twitter/@cricketcomau
After some exciting cricket down under, the stage was finally set on Thursday for Indian women's final leg of the series against Australia. The 3-match T20I series kicked off in Queensland and the home side put the Women in Blue to bat after winning the toss. It was always going to be an intriguing battle between the Indian openers and Aussie bowlers but not many would have imagined what actually transpired in the first over of match.
Tayla Vlaeminck came in to bowl the opening over and she began her spell with a no-ball, ensuring a dramatic start. Smriti Mandhana could not capitalize on the subsequent free-hit as she could only manage to take a single, getting Shafali Verma on strike. It is then the fans got to see some sheer fearless shots from the youngster, leaving everyone in awe.
Shafali hits first-ball six in Queensland
The Aussie pacer bowled a good-length delivery to welcome Shafali but she had no idea about the plans of Indian opener. The right-handed batter moved slightly away on the right, got herself some room and smashed the ball over the sweeper cover for an outrageous six.
"Shafali Verma, if you haven't seen her in action, this is what you get from her," screamed the on-air commentator to describe the audacious attitude of the Indian youngster.
Watch the video here:
Good batting performance by India
Shafali Verma smashed two more sixes during her fiery cameo before she was dismissed by Gardner on 18. Smriti Mandhana (17) and Richa Ghosh (17*) also chipped in with little contributions but it was Jemimah Rodrigues (49* off 36) who played a brilliant knock on her return as India ended their innings on 131/4 in 15.2 overs with rain playing a spoilsport.