Navi Mumbai, Nov 3 – Shafali Verma, the 21‑year‑old Indian opening batter, stepped onto the World Cup final field as an injury replacement and turned heads with a game‑changing performance. In a match that saw India defeat South Africa by 52 runs, Shafali racked up her first ODI half‑century in three years, smashing 87 runs that set the tone for a historic win.
She was also a match‑saving all‑rounder, taking two wickets for 36 runs to help lock down the opposition. Her all‑round display earned her the Player of the Match award – the youngest ever to win the prize in a Women’s World Cup final – and helped India claim their first ICC Women’s World Cup title and the fifth World Cup overall when men’s and women’s titles are combined in white‑ball cricket.
After the final lights went off, Shafali praised her squad and supporters. “I told my coach early on that God had sent me here to do something special,” she told broadcasters. “I’m so happy we won. I can’t find words for this.”
Her entry into the tournament was the surprise of the moment. Just before the semi‑finals, she was playing in a T20 competition when the call came to replace the injured Pratika Rawal. “It was a tough change, but I trusted myself,” she said. “My parents, friends and teammates gave me faith. I just wanted to help India win.”
Senior players gave her freedom to play her own game. “The order behind me was clear,” she added. “With that clarity, you can execute your plan.”
Shafali even caught a glimpse of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar watching from the stands. “Seeing him there was incredible,” she said. “I feel his confidence in me, and it pushes me forward.”
India’s triumph means the nation now holds the top Women’s World Cup title, with the match against South Africa celebrated as a milestone in Indian cricket history. Shafali Verma’s memorable 87 and key wickets will be remembered as the cornerstone of this victory.
Source: ianslive
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