India lifted the ICC Women\u2019s ODI World Cup 2025 trophy in Navi Mumbai with a dominant 52-run win over South Africa, and at the heart of the historic night stood Shafali Verma \u2014 delivering one of the greatest all-round performances in a World Cup final.<\/p>\n
The 21-year-old opener, who returned to the ODI setup only due to an injury replacement ahead of the semifinal, played a defining knock of 87 off 78 balls<\/strong> with seven fours and two sixes, laying the perfect platform for India\u2019s commanding 298\/7<\/strong>. Her intent never dipped even when wickets fell around her, and her fearless footwork kept the South African bowlers under pressure throughout her innings.<\/p>\n Shafali complemented her batting brilliance with the ball, returning 2 for 36 in 7 overs<\/strong>, including key breakthroughs at a crucial stage as South Africa attempted to rebuild. Her spell broke the momentum just when the chase looked threatening.<\/p>\n With this performance, Shafali became the player of the match<\/strong>, adding yet another milestone to a fairytale comeback story. Only a year ago, she wasn\u2019t in contention for the ODI World Cup squad \u2014 today she stood at the center of Indian cricket\u2019s biggest triumph in women\u2019s cricket history.<\/p>\n Her innings breakdown:<\/p>\n Front foot:<\/strong> 30 (29), SR 103.44<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Back foot:<\/strong> 23 (23), SR 100<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Down the track:<\/strong> 31 (22), SR 140.90<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n vs pace:<\/strong> 13 off 8 (3 fours, SR 162.50) Shafali\u2019s return from domestic grind to World Cup heroism mirrors the grit this Indian team has shown all tournament. Left out for over a year, she answered on the grandest stage \u2014 first by firing in the semifinal, and then by producing a final performance for the ages.<\/p>\n\n
vs spin:<\/strong> 18 off 14 (1 six, SR 128.57)<\/p>\n