IND vs SA: Shafali Verma scripts record-breaking knock in Women’s World Cup 2025 final

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In a dazzling display of skill and temperament, India’s dynamic opener Shafali Verma produced a record-breaking innings in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The youngster smashed a breathtaking 87 off 78 balls, steering India to a commanding position in the high-voltage contest.

Opening the innings under immense pressure, Shafali showcased remarkable composure early on, seeing off the new ball with precise footwork before unleashing her trademark aggression. Once settled, she took the attack to the South African bowlers, dispatching anything loose to the boundary. Her innings was laced with 12 fours and 2 sixes, a reflection of her ability to balance power with placement.

Partnering with Smriti Mandhana, Shafali laid a solid foundation for India with a brisk 98-run opening stand, putting the hosts in the driver’s seat. Her confident stroke play and impeccable timing left the opposition searching for answers as chants of “Shafali! Shafali!” echoed across the packed stadium.

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Shafali’s knock didn’t just power India’s innings — it rewrote the record books. The young star went past Punam Raut’s 86-run innings against England in the 2017 final at Lord’s, which had stood as the benchmark for eight years.

Her dismissal came at a crucial stage when she tried to accelerate further, only to be caught off Ayabonga Khaka. While she narrowly missed a well-deserved century, her contribution had already cemented her legacy as one of India’s finest performers on the grandest stage. Had she reached triple figures, Shafali would have been the first Indian — male or female — to score a century in a World Cup final, a feat still waiting to be achieved in Indian cricket history.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.