In the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, held at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to claim their first women’s World Cup title.
Amidst this historic win, Shafali Verma delivered a standout performance: she scored 87 runs off 78 balls and picked up 2 wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.
Why Her Performance Mattered
- With the bat: Her 87-run innings anchored India’s total of 298/7, providing the platform for victory.
- With the ball: Her two wickets shifted momentum and helped stifle South Africa’s chase.
- Psychological edge: As a relatively young player stepping up on the biggest stage, her composure under pressure inspired the team and sent a message to opponents.
- India’s first women’s ODI World Cup title: A landmark in Indian cricket.
- The victory was built on contributions from across the squad, but Shafali’s dual-role impact made her stand out.
- For Shafali personally, this match elevates her status: from talented youngster to match-winner in a final.
Beyond the Numbers: What It Say About Her Talent
- Versatility: Being effective both with bat and ball in a high-stakes final shows her all-round potential.
- Maturity: Not flustered by the occasion, she delivered when it mattered most.
- Momentum-setter: Such a performance can serve as a launchpad for greater things — leadership, greater responsibility, bigger innings.
Lessons for Aspiring Players
- Step up in big moments: When the pressure’s highest, seizing the opportunity defines careers.
- All-round value matters: Doing more than one thing well (batting and bowling) gives you an edge.
- Preparation meets opportunity: Talent alone isn’t enough; readiness to perform counts.
- Belief and backing: Shafali was given the chance — and she made the most of it.
In her match-winning performance, Shafali Verma didn’t just get the award; she shaped the narrative of India’s first-ever women’s World Cup triumph. Her 87 runs and two wickets weren’t just statistics — they were moments of control, inspiration and execution. For Indian women’s cricket this is a milestone; for Shafali, it’s the moment she truly arrived as a game-changer.
