Shafali Verma’s Heroics Lead India to World Cup Glory Over South Africa

Shafali Verma was honored as the Player of the Match following the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 final, where India faced South Africa at the D. Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

India secured their first-ever World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs. The opener, Shafali, played a pivotal role by scoring 87 runs off 78 balls and later taking two crucial wickets.

Shafali joined India’s World Cup squad as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who was injured during the team’s final league match against Bangladesh.

As a right-handed opener, she formed a vital 100-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana, helping India reach a total of 298 for seven.

In bowling, Shafali made an impact early by dismissing Sune Luus with her second ball, shortly after a 50-run opening stand between Luus and Laura Wolvaardt.

Later, she claimed the wicket of Marizanne Kapp, who was caught down the legside for just four runs, reducing South Africa to 123 for four during their chase.

Published on November 3, 2025