Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Shafali Verma Stars as India Wins Maiden Women's ODI World Cup
India's women's cricket team just won their very first World Cup!
One player, Shafali Verma, was super important in the final game.
She didn't start the tournament in the main team but was added just before the big semi-final match because another player got hurt.
This made her even more determined to do her best.
In the final, she scored a lot of runs and also took wickets, which helped India beat South Africa.
She was so happy and felt like God rewarded her hard work because the year before was really tough for her.
Even though she missed scoring a hundred runs by just a little bit, she said winning the World Cup trophy was much more important.
The team also had a tough time at the start of the tournament, losing their first three games, but they never gave up.
They eventually came back strong and won the whole thing, making history for India.
Shafali Verma was a late replacement in the squad but delivered a match-winning all-round performance in the final.
Verma scored 87 runs and took 2 wickets, earning her the Player of the Match award in India's maiden ODI World Cup victory.
India's team overcame a challenging start, including three consecutive losses in the league stage, to win the World Cup.
Verma described the previous year as difficult but felt her efforts were rewarded, highlighting her determination to return stronger.
India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final to secure their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup title.
- Who
- Shafali Verma and the Indian Women's Cricket Team
- What
- Shafali Verma reflects on her pivotal role in India's maiden Women's ODI World Cup victory, detailing her personal journey and the team's comeback.
- When
- Following the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 final and subsequent team felicitation.
- Where
- The final was played against South Africa, with Verma speaking at a felicitation ceremony in her hometown, Rohtak.
- Why
- To share her experience of overcoming personal struggles and her significant contribution to India's historic World Cup win after a challenging journey.
Shafali Verma's Personal Journey
Team India's Campaign
Inclusion in Squad
Shafali Verma's Personal Journey
Shafali Verma was a late replacement due to an injury to Pratika Rawal, which served as motivation for her to contribute.
Team India's Campaign
The team's journey was marked by overcoming a slow start, including three straight defeats in the group stage, before rallying to reach the knockouts.
Performance in the Final
Shafali Verma's Personal Journey
Shafali Verma produced a match-winning all-round performance, scoring 87 runs and taking 2 wickets, earning Player of the Match.
Team India's Campaign
India secured a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final, with a significant opening partnership from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma contributing to a total of 298/7.
Overcoming Past Struggles
Shafali Verma's Personal Journey
Verma described the previous year as tough with many struggles but felt rewarded by God for her hard work and determination to return stronger.
Team India's Campaign
The Indian team demonstrated unwavering self-belief and a positive environment, rallying from three consecutive losses to win the World Cup.
- Player of the Match (Final)
- Shafali Verma
- Shafali Verma's Final Performance
- 87 runs and 2/36
- Opponent in Final
- South Africa
- India's Margin of Victory
- 52 runs
- Team's League Stage
- Lost three consecutive matches
- Shafali Verma's Squad Status
- Late replacement for injured Pratika Rawal
- India's World Cup Achievement
- Maiden ODI World Cup title
Sources
Star Pacer Renuka Thakur Visits Hateshwari Mata Temple Following Team India's Maiden Victory In Women's World Cup
‘Last year was very tough for me’: Shafali Verma on struggles and India’s World Cup triumph
Shafali Verma Reflects On Her Emotional Journey And Clutch Brilliance In India Women’s World Cup Victory: 'I Had To Bring The World Cup'
Smriti Or Virat? Star All-Rounder Makes Choice After India’s World Cup 2025 Glory
Boundless Belief
POTM Shafali Verma reveals reason behind 'all-round performance' in Women's World Cup 2025 Final
I was just continuously praying, wanted to experience WC win feeling: Sneh Rana