Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma prepare for trial by fire against South African pacers

Veteran fast bowler Shikha Pandey believes Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will face their toughest challenge yet when India take on South Africa in the Women’s World T20 at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.

South Africa’s pace trio of Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka impressed against Australia, but it was against Pakistan where they really hit top speed. The Proteas reduced Pakistan to 50 for eight in just 10.4 overs, with Kapp returning figures of 3 for 23 from her four overs.

Pandey described South Africa as having the best pace in the tournament and said that while Mandhana and Shafali are in great formthey will have to be at their best against the Proteas quicks.

“India’s opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have given India a lot of strong starts. But they will face their toughest test yet. South Africa have the best bowling attack in this Women’s T20 World Cup,” Pandey said while talking to JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan’.

“Shabnim Ismail has made a strong comeback and is playing with good pace. Marizanne Kapp has already taken three wickets against Pakistan and is playing with great control. Both will test the Indian openers with swing, seam and bounce,” said Pandey.

‘MANDHANA MUST BE SELECTIVE’

Pandey said Mandhana will have to be selective against the new ball, especially with Kapp and Ismail likely to mix it up and attack the lengths. She also expressed excitement about the match between Shafali and Ismail, saying the Indian opener is unlikely to back down if the South African tests her quickly with the bouncers.

“Smriti Mandhana has been dismissed in the past when she tries to run off her body, often caught at slip or behind the stumps. She will have to be selective with the moving ball,” she said.

“Shafali loves a challenge and Ismail is not afraid to use the bouncer. It will be a spicy contest,” added Pandey.

India started their campaign in emphatic fashion, registering comprehensive wins over Pakistan and the Netherlands. However, they will be well aware of the challenge ahead against South Africa.

India suffered a 4-1 series defeat to the Proteas in South Africa earlier this year and Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will be eager to make amends by declaring a win on the World Cup stage.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

20 Jun 2026 17:22 IST