Shafali Verma was named the Player of the Match after the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa at the D. Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

India beat South Africa by 52 runs to clinch its first-ever World Cup title. The opener smacked 87 off 78 balls before picking up two crucial wickets with the ball.

Shafali was drafted into India’s World Cup squad as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who was injured during the Women in Blue’s final league match against Bangladesh.

The right-handed opener put up a 100-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana to set India on its way to the total of 298 for seven.

Shafali struck gold in just her second ball, scalping the wicket of Sune Luus after a 50-run opening partnership with Laura Wolvaardt.

She then managed to nick out Marizanne Kapp down the legside for just four to reduce South Africa to 123 for four in the chase.

Published on Nov 03, 2025