Shafali Verma starred with an all-round show in the Women's World Cup final against Australia.
Shafali Verma starred with an all-round show as India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Sunday (November 2).
Shefali, who was added to the team as an injury replacement for Pratika Rawal ahead of the semi-finals, played a stunning knock of 87 in 78 balls and then claimed the prized scalps of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp to turn the tide in favour of her team.
The 21-year-old was named 'Player of the Match' for helping the Women in Blue clinch their maiden World Cup title.
After the historic triumph, Shafali expressed gratitude and attributed her success to the strong support she received from her family and teammates.
"Absolutely. I said in the starting that God has sent me to do something good. And today that was reflected. And I am very happy that we finally won the World Cup. I can't express it in words. It was difficult but I had confidence in myself. That I will believe in myself. And if I keep myself calm, I can do anything. So that belief and that calmness and my parents had a lot of support. My parents, my friend, my brother. I think everyone had a lot of support. Everyone used to tell me how to play. And how important this final is for me, for the whole team. So today I was only thinking about how to make a run. The team should win. Yes, absolutely," Shafali told the broadcasters.
"My mind was clear today. And I went and worked on my plans. I am so happy that they got executed. And along with that, the team was talking to me a lot. Harman was always a supporter. And I think everyone supported me a lot. All the teammates were very welcoming and supportive. The team just opened their hearts and told me to play my game. Not to leave my game. So, I think when you get so much clarity, then you feel very happy. No, it's a very memorable moment for me," she added.
With batting legend Sachin Tendulkar in the stands, it couldn't have been more special for Shafali Verma to produce the heroics it in front of her idol.
"When I saw Sachin sir, I got a different boost. I keep talking to Sachin sir. He always gives me confidence. And I think they are legends. They are masters of cricket. But I got a lot of inspiration from them. I get a lot of inspiration when I talk to them. I got a lot of inspiration after seeing them," she remarked.