NEW DELHI, Nov 03 (AFP): Shafali Verma was initially dropped from India's Women's World Cup squad but the opener returned as an injury replacement to star in the title win and etch her name in history.
The 21-year-old batter scored an attacking 87 and took two crucial wickets with her part-time off-spin against South Africa in Sunday's final in Mumbai.
She was named player of the match for her all-round blitz as India won their maiden Women's World Cup title at a packed DY Patil Stadium.
Verma has given India many blazing starts since her international debut aged just 16 but fell out of favour with the selectors in the 50-over format because of patchy form. However, fate had different plans and an injury to in-form opener Pratika Rawal in the last league match forced India to replace her with Verma. Verma made just 10 in India's stunning victory over holders Australia in the semi-finals but rose to the occasion in the title clash with her career-best ODI score. "I said at the start that God has sent me here to do something nice, and that reflected today," Verma said.
"It was difficult but I had confidence in myself -- that if I can stay calm, I could achieve everything."
On a day when Verma could do no wrong, skipper Kaur handed her the ball in the 20th over and she delivered with the wicket of Sune Luus, caught and bowled for 25.
India's World Cup hero Shafali who disguised herself as boy
FE Team | Published: November 04, 2025 00:56:24
India's World Cup hero Shafali who disguised herself as boy
Share if you like