Shafali Verma Celebrated by Women's Commission After World Cup Triumph

Women's Commission Honors World Cup Star

Renu Bhatia, chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, has expressed her admiration for the young cricketing talent Shafali Verma following India's victory in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, where they triumphed over South Africa in the final match. Bhatia stated, "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shafali Verma. Bravo! I spoke with her father, Sanjeev Verma, and promised to visit their home for tea when I am in Rohtak, hoping to meet Shafali then."

Shafali's Outstanding Performance

Shafali, who stepped in as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, played a pivotal role in the final match. She was awarded 'Player of the Match' for her remarkable all-round performance, scoring 87 runs off 78 balls and taking 2 wickets for 36 runs, which significantly contributed to India securing their first Women's World Cup title.

From Struggles to Success

Shafali's journey has been one of significant transformation. After participating in ODIs last October, she returned for the semifinals against Australia. Her T20I performance was impressive, accumulating 176 runs in five innings with a strike rate exceeding 158, alongside a successful Women's Premier League season with Delhi Capitals, where she scored 304 runs in nine innings at an average of 38.00. However, her earlier ODI average in the low 20s and inconsistency during crucial matches had previously cost her a spot in the ODI lineup.

Pratika Rawal, who boasts an ODI average above 50 and was statistically India's second-best batter in the tournament with 308 runs in six innings, including a century and a fifty, was anticipated to be a significant upgrade. Nevertheless, Shafali's explosive batting and unexpected bowling prowess proved decisive against the South African team.

World Cup Final Recap

In the final match, India batted first after being put in by South Africa, scoring 298 runs for 7 wickets. This was bolstered by a century partnership between Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali (87), along with late contributions from Richa Ghosh (34) and Deepti Sharma (58).

Despite a remarkable century from South African captain Laura Wolvaardt (101), which kept her team in contention, a surprising bowling spell from Shafali and a stellar five-wicket haul by Deepti Sharma (5/39) dismantled the South African middle order, leading to their total of 246 runs. Shafali's performance earned her the 'Player of the Match' accolade.