On January 29, Sunday, India and England will square off in the ICC U19 T20 World Cup final. The Indian team hopes to make history by taking first place in this tournament, which is being hosted for the first time. The day before the championship game, on January 28, was also the birthday of India captain Shefali Verma. With other teammates, she celebrated her 19th birthday. Senwes Park in Potchefstroom will host the square-off beginning at 5.15 p.m. IST.
The event was made unique by the presence of renowned javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who represented India and won gold at the Olympics in Tokyo. Shafali can be spotted slicing her birthday cake in a video posted by the ICC on their Instagram account as her teammates sing together for her. On such a festive day for the youngster, Neeraj Chopra was also pictured offering her a piece of cake.
Before the all-important final of the ICC U19 T20 World Cup, Shafali spoke with Cricinfo about her sentiments about the big day and her desire for every female to give her all. She also admitted that the World Cup title is the only birthday present she can get from her team.
View this post on Instagram
“Yes, it’s a very good feeling to be in the final. Just want everyone to give their 100 percent. I had spoken after the match against Sri Lanka about us having trouble sleeping (after losing to Australia) but we’ve been able to execute everything we discussed after that game. There’s a good mood in the camp,” she expressed much pointedly.
She further added, “When I joined up with this U-19 team, I told them the only birthday gift I want is the trophy. I’m not asking for much. No real preparation. Just going to enjoy the day. It would have been different if I was at home.”
Meanwhile, the young Indian skipper, celebrated her birthday prior to the event, the ‘big day’ and shared a photo on social media where she quoted, “To another year of growing in Strength, Wisdom & Grace -x, Thanks to every single person who took the time to wish me on my Birthday And also thanks to Neeraj Chopra to make my birthday more special.”
Get the latest news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.
