Destiny has changed the moment for the youngest player, Shefali Verma, in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Her brilliant all-round performance played a crucial role in guiding India to their maiden World Cup title. In the final match between India and South Africa, she secured 87 runs with the bat and two crucial wickets with the ball. Her knock made her the youngest player to score a fifty in an ODI World Cup final. She was named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round display in the final.
A Comeback That Changed Everything
Shefali had a great career in International cricket. She doesn’t stop proving her ability in each game. The 2025 Women’s World Cup will be an unforgettable moment in her career. Indian women started the tournament without Shefali. She was not included in India’s squad for the World Cup. Her fate changed after batter Pratika Rawal’s injury before the semi-final, and she replaced her, making the most of the chance with a historic performance.
She played against Australia in the semifinal but couldn’t perform well. She scored just 10 before being trapped LBW. In the final match against South Africa, she came back with full form and scored 87 off 78 balls. She anchored the innings by contributing 7 fours and 2 sixes. Her 87 laid the foundation for India’s 298/7 in 50 overs. The fireworks performance made her become the youngest player to score fifty in an ODI World Cup final. As an opener, she had a good start with Smriti Mandhana. They built a perfect partnership and crossed 100 for the team. Her aggressive batting and adaptability showcased the fearless mindset of a player who understands the value of knockout matches.
At the age of just 21, she earned the record of becoming the youngest player to score fifty in an ODI World Cup final. Apart from effective batting, her bowling performance was also a key moment to celebrate. She changed the flow of the match by taking important wickets, including Sune Luus (caught & bowled) and later Marizanne Kapp (caught behind). This dismissal broke the building partnership of South Africa. She concluded her innings with 2 wickets for 36 runs.
“I Cannot Express It in Words” — Shafali Verma
After the match, she opened up about the feeling of the comeback arc. Her batting and bowling execution sealed India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title. From sitting on the bench to walking to the crease, she literally proved how to utilize the opportunity. Her post-match reaction was filled with emotion. She spoke about her mindset before the knock.
“I said at the start that God has sent me here to do something nice, and that reflected today. Very happy that we won and I cannot express it in words. It was difficult, but I had confidence in myself – that if I can stay calm, I could achieve everything. My parents, my friends, my brother, everyone supported me and helped me understand how to play. It was very important for my team and myself, and I just wanted to make my team win. My mind was clear and I worked on my plans. So happy that I could execute and Smriti di and Harman di, everyone was supporting me. They (seniors) asked me just to play my own game, and when you get that clarity, that is all you need. It is a very memorable moment. When I saw him (Sachin Tendulkar), it gave me an incredible boost. I keep talking to him, he keeps giving me confidence. He is the master of cricket, and we keep getting inspired just looking at him.” She said. (Source: Indian Express)
Shafali is an inspiration for the upcoming generations. Her excellent performance comes from her determination and strategy. It has become a trademark in her international career. Indian women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur and teammates praised Shafali’s belief and temperament.