India women’s cricket team star Shafali Verma repaid the worth of selectors and the captain with a blistering half-century in the final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 against South Africa on Sunday. Named as replacement for an injured Pratika Rawal, the opener failed to fire in the semi-final against Australia Women, fueling speculations on a weak top-order for India in the marquee clash. However, Verma lived up toe expectations with a 49-ball fifty in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Shafali Verma slams 50 in Women’s World Cup 2025 final
Prior to the semi-final against Australia Women on October 30, Shafali had last played in an WODI way back in October 2024. Named as injury replacement for Rawal – who is India’s second highest run-getter in the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2025 – the opener managed to score just 10 runs against AUS before she was sent packing. However, she redeemed herself in the final against South Africa, striking five fours and one six en route to her half-century.
The half-century against SAW in the WC 2025 final marks Shafali’s fifth in WODIs. The last time she surpassed the fifty-run mark was in July 2022. To date, the opener has played in 31 WODIs and has amassed 712 runs ,with a highest score of 71 runs at an average of 24.55.
South Africa Women won the toss and decided to bowl first in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The start of play was delayed due to rain. India’s leading run-getter in the Women’s World Cup 2025 – Smriti Mandhana- was the first batter to depart as she fell five runs short of scoring a half-century. Both India and South Africa are chasing their maiden ODI World Cup as history is set to be made, with new champions being named for the first time in the history of the tournament.
