Shafali Verma tore into South Africa’s bowling attack in a rain-delayed Women’s ODI World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium, becoming the youngest player—across men’s and women’s cricket—to score a fifty in a World Cup final. The 21-year-old opener’s blistering knock set the tone for India’s innings, helping them post an imposing total of 298 at the end of their 50 overs.
Walking out with her trademark swagger, Shafali looked unfazed by the occasion or the reputation of her opponents. Her confident strokeplay and intent at the top ensured India got off to a flying start. Alongside Smriti Mandhana, she stitched together a solid 104-run partnership for the opening wicket, laying the foundation for India’s formidable total.
Shafali Verma becomes the Youngest to score fifty in an ODI World Cup final
At just 21 years and 278 days, Shafali achieved a milestone no cricketer—male or female—had ever touched in a World Cup final. Though fans and the Indian team management might have hoped for a century, her 87 off 78 balls was nothing short of spectacular.
She surpassed Jessica Duffin’s record (23 years, 235 days) from the 2013 Women’s World Cup final, where the Australian batter scored a half-century against the West Indies. Nat Sciver-Brunt follows on the list, having achieved the feat at 24 years and 337 days for England in the 2017 final against India.
Shafali Verma surpasses her idol Sehwag
Known for her fearless batting and aggressive intent, Shafali has often drawn comparisons with her idol, Virender Sehwag. In a poetic twist, she has now gone past Sehwag himself in the record books. Sehwag had been India’s youngest half-centurion in a men’s ODI World Cup final—at 24 years and 154 days—during the 2003 clash against Australia.
As Shafali continues to carve her own legacy, she will hope that unlike Sehwag’s 2003 effort, her innings helps India script a historic maiden ODI World Cup triumph.
