Shafali Verma misses out on dream century in IND-W vs SA-W final, but wins hearts with fiery knock
Shafali Verma heartbreakingly missed a century against South Africa in the 2025 Women’s World Cup Final, but her fearless comeback innings won millions of hearts. The youngster, who had fallen into doubt, justified his ‘wild card’ return with a fierce knock that defined India’s campaign.
Shafali Verma made a spectacular comeback for the Indian team by scoring a fifty in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Shafali, who was initially left out of the squad, was brought back as a substitute to replace the injured Pratika Rawal ahead of the semi-final against Australia.
Despite a quick dismissal against the Aussies, the 22-year-old seized his chance when it counted and helped India get off to a strong start when they were called to bat first after a two-hour rain delay.
Shafali, who teamed up with fellow opener Smriti Mandhana, attacked from the first ball and hit a four. Facing just 49 balls, she reached her fifty with a single from Chloe Tryon in the 18th over. It is worth noting that he has not been in the ODI setup for over a year.
When Shafali turned fifty, social media exploded with fans dubbing her return a “wildcard entry”. One user commented, “Shefali Verma played well, what a wildcard entry! We believe in Verma, just like Tilak Verma did in the Asia Cup, now you should do it for the World Cup.”
She played well Shefali Verma what a wildcard entry she is we believe in verma in Asian cup too tilak verma did this now you should do this for world cup
— world of science (@retweetman72) November 2, 2025
Fifty for SHEFALI VERMA in the World Cup final! This is not a drill, this is destiny. #CWC25
— Naresh Tanwar (@nareshtanwar_) November 2, 2025
Reaching the top at the right time
— Batsy (@imbatzzz) November 2, 2025
Unfortunately, Shafali could not make the maiden ODI century he deserved and was caught by Sune Luus for 87 runs off the bowling of Ayabonga Khaka. Shafali hit seven fours and two sixes in her 78-ball over.
Earlier in the day, the match faced a two-hour delay due to persistent rain in Navi Mumbai. South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and chose to bowl first in cloudy conditions. Both teams remained unchanged. It is important to emphasize that neither India nor South Africa have claimed the trophy yet.
Also read| IND v SA in Women’s World Cup final: Harmanpreet Kaur matches unwanted record at 43 and still edges South Africa
