India made history on November 2, 2025, with a victory over South Africa by 52 runs in the Women's World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. One of the stars to shine in this memorable win was Shafali Verma, who was a late substitute for Pratika Rawal with the final 11, and was named Player of the Match for her performance.
After winning the toss and batting first, Shafali made an unbelievable 87 runs off 78 balls (111.54 strike rate) hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes to put together the innings. To top off her all-around prestige, she took hardcore wickets from Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp played the game undeniably into India's favour.
Shafali Verma’s laughter-filled exchange with PM Modi and record-breaking feat
During the Indian women’s team’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a light-hearted moment unfolded when he mentioned watching a clip of Shafali’s catch to dismiss Sune Luus, noting that she was smiling even before completing the catch. Shafali laughed and said, “Main apne mann mein bol rahi thi, ‘aaja catch, aaja,’ toh usse hansi aa gayi ki aa bhi gaya haath mein mere” (“I was telling myself, ‘come on, catch,’ and when it actually came into my hands, I couldn’t help but laugh”).
Her 87-run knock also etched her name in the record books — she became the youngest cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in a Women’s World Cup final at just 21 years and 278 days. Additionally, she surpassed Punam Raut’s 86 (2017) and Virender Sehwag’s 82 (2003) to record the highest score by an Indian opener in a World Cup final.
