NEW DELHI: From missing out on India's Women's World Cup squad to being drafted as a late replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, and now emerging as the ICC Women's Player of the Month for November 2025, life has come full circle for India's young opener Shafali Verma.

The 21-year-old Shafali produced a match-winning performance in the World Cup final against South Africa, scoring a fluent 87 off 78 balls - the highest score by an Indian opener in a World Cup final.

Shafali set the tone at the top with an attacking approach and, alongside Smriti Mandhana, stitched together a record-breaking 100-run opening partnership that laid the foundation for India's commanding total of 298 for 7 in the final.

Her influence was felt with the ball too, as she struck in back-to-back overs to remove Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, halting South Africa's momentum during the chase. Shafali wrapped up an all-round display with impressive figures of 2 for 36 from her seven overs.

Shafali's outstanding all-round display in the final earned her the Player of the Match award and helped India clinch their maiden Women's World Cup title, making them only the fourth team to lift the trophy.

Shafali dedicated her Player of the Month award to her teammates, coaches, family, and supporters reinforces her belief that success is shared, not individual.

"My first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup experience didn't go as I expected but it ended far better than I could have ever wished or imagined," Shafali said.

"I'm grateful that I could contribute to the team's success in the Final and that I was able to be a part of making history in winning the World Cup for the first time and in front of a home crowd.

"I'm truly honoured to be named the Women's Player of the Month for November. I dedicate this award to my teammates, coaches, family and everyone who has supported my journey until now. We win and lose as a team, the same goes for this award."