India’s explosive opener Shafali Verma shone brightly in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final against South Africa, played on Sunday, November 3. Her all-round brilliance helped India clinch their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title in Navi Mumbai.
Shafali played a sensational knock, scoring 87 runs off just 78 balls, smashing 7 fours and 2 sixes. Her fearless batting set the perfect platform for India’s big total in the high-pressure final. She looked in complete control from the very first over, attacking the bowlers with confidence and composure.
Not just with the bat, Shafali also impressed with the ball. She bowled 7 overs, giving away 36 runs and picking up 2 key wickets during South Africa’s chase. Her contribution with both bat and ball was pivotal in India’s 52-run victory.
For her match-winning performance, Shafali Verma was deservedly named the Player of the Match. With this, she also set a new record — becoming the youngest cricketer in ODI World Cup history (men’s or women’s) to win the Player of the Match award in a semifinal or final, achieving this feat at 21 years and 279 days.
Adding to her legacy, Shafali became only the second player ever — after Sri Lanka’s Aravinda de Silva in the 1996 World Cup Final — to score 50+ runs and take 2+ wickets in a World Cup Final. Her incredible all-round show will be remembered as one of the greatest performances in World Cup history.