India openers in crisis? Mandhana and Shafali struggle again ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma’s poor form continued as both openers failed in India’s T20 World Cup warm-up vs England, raising concerns ahead of a tough 2026 tournament campaign.

Post Published By: Donika Singh

Updated : 10 June 2026, 6:59 PM IST

Mandhana and Shafali’s Form Worry Ahead of WC. (Image Internet)

New Delhi: India’s opening combination of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma endured another disappointing outing ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with both batters falling cheaply in a warm-up match against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.

Chasing a target of 172, India lost Mandhana early for just one run after she attempted a loose sweep shot and was caught at square leg off Linsey Smith. Shafali Verma showed brief intent with a boundary and a six but was dismissed for 13 after Issy Wong bowled her through the off-stump.

Lack of Consistency at the Top Order

The pair’s inconsistency at the top has become a growing concern for India. In their last 10 T20Is, Mandhana and Shafali have crossed the 50-run partnership mark only twice. Their most recent warm-up performance against England yielded just eight runs together after a more promising 59-run stand against the West Indies.

Mandhana’s Form Under the Scanner

Mandhana’s recent performances have been below her usual standards, with no fifty-plus score in her last nine T20 innings. During this stretch, she has recorded multiple low scores alongside a few starts in the 30s. Her brief 39-run knock against the West Indies was followed by another failure against England, adding to India’s recent struggles in T20I series defeats.

Shafali Searching for Rhythm

Shafali Verma, once known for her explosive starts, has also struggled for consistency. Apart from a fifty against ECB Women’s XI in Chelmsford, she has crossed the 30-run mark only once in her last eight innings. Her form dipped further after a promising start against South Africa earlier in the season.

India Face Tough World Cup Group

India have been placed in a challenging group alongside Australia and South Africa, with Pakistan, Bangladesh and debutants Netherlands completing the lineup. The team begins its campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham, followed by matches against the Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia across different venues in England.

With little margin for error in the tournament format, India will be hoping their opening pair regains form at the right time.