Shafali Verma delivered an unforgettable all-round performance in the rain-affected ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium. Her heroics were instrumental in positioning India Women strongly against South Africa Women.
At just 21 years old, Verma broke a long-standing record, becoming the youngest cricketer, across both men’s and women’s games, to achieve a half-century in a World Cup final. This remarkable feat saw her eclipse the previous record held by Indian batting legend Virender Sehwag from 2003.
Opening the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana, Shafali dominated from the outset, blazing her way to 87 runs off just 78 balls. This aggressive display was key as India posted a formidable 298/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Her commanding partnership of 104 runs with Mandhana (who scored 45) laid a strong foundation for India’s innings. Verma, who smashed seven boundaries and two sixes, also surpassed Jessica Duffin’s 2013 record for the youngest half-centurion in a Women’s World Cup final.
At an age of 21 years and 278 days, Shafali now leads the list of youngest players to score a fifty in a World Cup final. She stands ahead of Duffin (23 years, 235 days) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (24 years, 337 days) in the women’s category, and ahead of Sehwag (24 years, 154 days) in the men’s.
| Name | Age | Country | World Cup Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | 21y 278d | India | 2025 Women’s World Cup Final |
| Jessica Duffin | 23y 235d | Australia | 2013 Women’s World Cup Final |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | 24y 337d | England | 2017 Women’s World Cup Final |
While her batting performance earned widespread praise, Shafali stunned everyone later in the match when she was handed the ball. In an exhilarating seven-ball spell, she caused pandemonium by dismissing Sune Luus with a sharp caught-and-bowled delivery, followed by having Marizanne Kapp caught behind by Richa Ghosh.
| Rank | Name | Age | Country | World Cup Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shafali Verma | 21y 278d | India | 2025 Women’s |
| 2 | Jessica Duffin | 23y 235d | Australia | 2013 Women’s |
| 3 | Virender Sehwag | 24y 154d | India | 2003 Men’s |
Her unexpected bowling burst ignited cheers from the home crowd and became a trending topic on social media, further solidifying India’s control over the game. Shafali’s innings also holds significant historical value as it was the highest score by an Indian opener in any World Cup final, male or female. Her fearless batting style, often likened to Virender Sehwag’s, made it all the more fitting that she surpassed her idol’s record on this memorable night.
India’s total of 298, which notably stands as the second-highest score in a Women’s ODI World Cup final, was largely thanks to Verma’s early aggression and remarkable composure under pressure.