You Won’t Believe What Shafali Verma Said Before India Won the World Cup

Shafali Verma has been the player who changed history for the India Women's team. Despite being called an injury replacement, her contributions in the finals were vital. Upon being announced as a replacement for Rawal, she had some words before the knockouts.

Shafali Verma has made the headlines yet again, for her brilliant performances in the Women's World Cup. She came in as a replacement for the Indian team. And now she became the reason why India had the upper hand against South Africa in the Women's World Cup final,

Scoring 87 runs for the team in the final match and also taking wickets with the ball helped Shafali Verma to give her best to the team. With India's win, she became the first player in the Women's World Cup for an Indian team to win the Player of the Match award in the finals. Before being selected for the team, she said a few words about herself.

1. Shafali In, Pratika Out

Pratika Rawal was the opening partner of Smriti Mandhana in the league stages of the tournament. But eventually, she suffered an injury in the do-or-die game against New Zealand, where India made it to the playoffs. By the time India faced Bangladesh in its last league stage game, it was clear that Pratika for the remainder of the tournament.

In her place, the Indian team had to find someone who could open along with Smriti Mandhana. For this, they decided to go for Shafali Verma, who was not picked in the Women's World Cup squad. Eventually, she became a part of the team as a replacement and was all set to play the knockout games of the tournament.

2. What Shafali Said Before the Knockouts?

Being a part of the team just in time for the knockouts could be a lot pressurising. Especially for a youngster like Shafali Verma, who was also not selected in the squad for the Women's World Cup. Coming in as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, she expressed her raw emotions for the same.

Shafali Verma , “I believe God has sent me here to do something good. My father, my family, everyone were happy.” These words made the fans believe that Shafali Verma is here to give her best for the team. And now they waited for her to give her best in the semi-finals for the team.

3. Shafali Verma in Knockouts

Shafali Verma played her first game in the Women's World Cup 2025 against Australia in the semi-final match. Her first game didn't go as the fans expected, as Shafali Verma got out early. India had to chase down a massive total, and fans had huge expectations. She off well but got out after scoring 10 runs off just 5 balls.

With her wicket, India was still able to capitalise with the performances of Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur. India was able to win this match against Australia and marked its spot in the finals clash. This was also the last chance for Shafali Verma to show that her coming as a replacement for injured Pratika Rawal was the best decision made by the team management.

And the final match arrived, with South Africa winning the toss and sending India to bat first. This time, Shafali Verma proved that she is a player for the big stages. Opening with Smriti Mandhana, Shafali scored runs for the team at a rapid pace, putting the pressure on the Proteas bowlers. Eventually, she was able to score 87 runs off 78 balls,

Her innings helped to put India in a strong position in the final, as the team went on to post 298 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Now it was time for the Indian bowlers to restrict the in-form South African batters below the total set by them. When the main bowlers failed to take wickets, Shafali Verma decided to step in and

In her very first over, she was able to take the wicket of Sune Luus, as the trick by the Indian skipper to let Shafali bowl some overs worked. When Shafali returned with her second over, she was able to strike once again, taking the wicket of the experienced batter, Marizanne Kapp. These two wickets and a brilliant 87-run knock helped India to win the game, and eventually, Shafali Verma received the POTM award.