SHE'S ONLY 16: HARMANPREET KAUR BACKS SHAFALI VERMA AFTER POOR PERFORMANCE IN T20 WC!

Harmanpreet Kaur on Saturday backed Shafali Verma by saying that she cannot be blamed for India's loss against Australia in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

India succumbed to an 85-run defeat against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After Australia set an astronomical target of 185 runs, a lot depended on India's star batswoman Shafali Verma. But she was sent back to pavillion for just 2 runs.

Hugely disaapointed, fans started criticizing Shafali Verma's poor show on social media.

“She’s only 16, she’s playing her first World Cup. She did really, really well and performed for us,” said Kaur. “For a 16-year-old kid, it’s difficult to keep thinking positively and stay in the game.

“It’s a learning lesson for her but it could happen to anyone. We can’t blame her because there were others also in her position," said Kaur.

“We gave chances to batters in great form and it’s difficult for bowlers to come back when that happens.

“We weren’t feeling under pressure but unfortunately we were unable to create those chances.

“It’s a lesson for all of us, we have to be at 100 per cent when we’re fielding because that’s the most important part of cricket," she further added.