<p>Dambulla: Their dominant run notwithstanding, opener <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/shafali-verma">Shafali Verma</a> said India will need to improve in all areas of the game ahead of their women's Asia Cup semifinal against Bangladesh here on Friday.</p>.<p>Shafali is the second highest run-getter in the tournament with 158 runs, averaging over 52, from three matches.</p>.<p>India emerged winners by seven wickets against Pakistan, 78 runs against UAE and by an 82-run margin against Nepal in the group matches.</p>.<p>"It's a nice feeling the way we are winning the matches and gelling well as a team. But the semifinal is very important for us. We are practicing very hard, and hopefully we will execute (plans) tomorrow," said Shafali on the eve of the semifinal.</p>.<p>"As a batting unit, we are backing our strength. Bowlers are also doing well at nets. But we need to keep improving ourselves," she added.</p>.<p>Shafali said even the lower-order batters have also been working on their skills in the nets, particularly because they are yet to get a chance to bat in the Asia Cup.</p>.<p>"They haven't had much of a chance (to bat). But Deepti (Sharma), Pooja (Vastrakar) and all other lower batters are practicing well, and I am sure they are ready to hit a few sixes whenever their opportunity comes," she said.</p>.<p>The 20-year-old said the defending champions have placed a special emphasis on their fielding after a largely underwhelming effort thus far in the event.</p>.<p>"We are working hard on our fielding. Hopefully, we will be able to tick the boxes in all three departments – batting, bowling, fielding – tomorrow against Bangladesh," she said. </p>
<p>Dambulla: Their dominant run notwithstanding, opener <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/shafali-verma">Shafali Verma</a> said India will need to improve in all areas of the game ahead of their women's Asia Cup semifinal against Bangladesh here on Friday.</p>.<p>Shafali is the second highest run-getter in the tournament with 158 runs, averaging over 52, from three matches.</p>.<p>India emerged winners by seven wickets against Pakistan, 78 runs against UAE and by an 82-run margin against Nepal in the group matches.</p>.<p>"It's a nice feeling the way we are winning the matches and gelling well as a team. But the semifinal is very important for us. We are practicing very hard, and hopefully we will execute (plans) tomorrow," said Shafali on the eve of the semifinal.</p>.<p>"As a batting unit, we are backing our strength. Bowlers are also doing well at nets. But we need to keep improving ourselves," she added.</p>.<p>Shafali said even the lower-order batters have also been working on their skills in the nets, particularly because they are yet to get a chance to bat in the Asia Cup.</p>.<p>"They haven't had much of a chance (to bat). But Deepti (Sharma), Pooja (Vastrakar) and all other lower batters are practicing well, and I am sure they are ready to hit a few sixes whenever their opportunity comes," she said.</p>.<p>The 20-year-old said the defending champions have placed a special emphasis on their fielding after a largely underwhelming effort thus far in the event.</p>.<p>"We are working hard on our fielding. Hopefully, we will be able to tick the boxes in all three departments – batting, bowling, fielding – tomorrow against Bangladesh," she said. </p>