NEW DELHI: India’s Women’s World Cup winner Shafali Verma on Sunday said she has endured several challenges over the past year and worked “extremely hard” to refine her game — an effort that culminated in a historic World Cup triumph.

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Picked as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, the 21-year-old produced a dream performance in the final, scoring 87 runs and taking 2/36 in India’s 52-run victory over South Africa. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Final award.

“The last one year was very tough for me. I faced a lot of struggles, but I kept working extremely hard and was rewarded by God for my effort,” Shafali told reporters after a felicitation event.

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Shafali was drafted into the Indian squad on the eve of the semifinal against Australia. Though she couldn’t make an impact in that match, she rose to the occasion in the title clash.

“When I joined the Indian team ahead of the semifinal, I was determined to contribute to the World Cup victory. The final is always a big stage. Initially, I was a bit nervous, but I calmed myself, focused on my strategy, and executed it well. That helped me deliver an all-round performance,” she said.

‘Work hard and believe in yourself,’ Shafali

After receiving a hero’s welcome in her hometown Rohtak, the swashbuckling opener urged young girls to have self-belief and stay dedicated to their goals.

“They should always put in the hard work in whatever field they may choose and also have self-belief, and results will follow,” Shafali said.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side created history by clinching India’s maiden 50-over Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai last Sunday.

Meeting with PM Modi and looking ahead

Shafali, who idolises batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, credited her family for their unwavering support in helping her achieve her dreams. Reflecting on the final, she said, “I was trying to stay calm and execute my plans, and things went as per plan. The only thought was that we have to give it all in those seven hours for our country.”

She said she had no regrets about missing a century, stressing that lifting the World Cup was the ultimate goal.

Talking about the team’s meeting with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shafali said, “The PM spent two hours with us and motivated us.”

She added that she was looking forward to meeting Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on November 12.

Meanwhile, Haryana minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, who felicitated Shafali upon her arrival in Rohtak, said she had made both the state and the country proud.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had met the victorious team at his residence and lauded them for their landmark achievement after a challenging phase marked by three consecutive defeats in the group stage.

(With PTI Inputs)