Navi Mumbai – Shafali Verma, the young star of the Indian women's cricket team, has revealed her initial nervousness ahead of the historic World Cup final against South Africa. The 21-year-old played a crucial role in India's victory, scoring a brilliant 87 runs and taking two important wickets, ultimately earning her the Player of the Match award.
Verma, who wasn't originally part of the World Cup squad, was called in as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal just before the semi-final. Despite the pressure of the situation, she rose to the occasion, displaying remarkable composure and skill. "When I joined the Indian team ahead of the semifinal, I was determined to contribute to the World Cup victory," Shafali said. "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."
Her journey to the World Cup glory wasn't without hurdles. Verma admitted that the past year had been challenging, requiring immense hard work to improve her game. "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," she stated.
Verma'sinnings of 87 set a new record for the highest score by an Indian in a Women's World Cup final, surpassing Punam Raut's previous record of 86 from the 2017 final against England. The opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Verma provided a strong foundation for the team's victory. They accumulated 104 runs before Mandhana was dismissed for 45 by Chloe Tryon. The duo reached their fifty-run partnership in just 6.3 overs and posted 64 runs in the first ten overs.
Beyond her batting prowess, Verma surprised everyone with her bowling, taking two crucial wickets in the final. She dismissed Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, shifting the momentum in India's favor. "When Harmanpreet (Kaur) told me to bowl, I had confidence from the beginning," she said. "Harman was backing me again and again. She gave me confidence, that I will take the next wicket."
Teammates and fans alike have lauded Verma's performance, recognizing her resilience and talent. Pratika Rawal, whose injury paved the way for Verma's inclusion, praised her for handling the pressure and delivering a match-winning performance. "It's not easy to come into a semi-final with that kind of pressure, but she handled it beautifully. We all saw how well she played in the final too," Rawal said.
The World Cup victory holds special significance for Verma, who previously led the Indian team to victory in the Women's U19 World Cup in 2023. However, she considers the senior World Cup win, especially on home soil, to be a "completely different feeling". "Because it's being held in India, and winning the World Cup, I think this is a different kind of moment for me. As a player, as a teammate, and as an Indian player, I think the happiness is very, very immense," she explained.
Verma also acknowledged the influence of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, whose presence at the stadium inspired her. "When I saw him (Sachin Tendulkar), it gave me an incredible boost. I keep talking to him, and he keeps giving me confidence," she said.
With the World Cup trophy in hand, Verma and her teammates were also greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spent two hours with them and motivated them.
Shafali Verma's journey from a nervous debutante in the final to a World Cup hero is a testament to her unwavering spirit, hard work, and the support she received from her team and family. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across India and a symbol of the growing prominence of women's cricket in the country.
