Under the brightest lights of a World Cup final, Shafali Verma rose to the occasion and etched her name into Indian cricket history. The fearless opener was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for November 2025 after producing a sensational all-round performance in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final against South Africa. The summit clash at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai saw Shafali play a defining role in India’s long-awaited and historic World Cup triumph.
Shafali Verma’s Match-Winning Impact
Opening the innings, Shafali smashed a brilliant 87, her highest ODI score and first fifty in over three years. She stitched a crucial 104-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana, giving India a strong foundation. She then made a major impact with the ball, returning figures of 7-0-36-2 and dismissing key South African batters Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp. Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to hand her the ball proved decisive as India bowled out South Africa for 246.
Reflecting on her journey, Shafali said her first World Cup experience exceeded expectations and dedicated the award to her teammates, coaches, and family. Having fought her way back into the squad after early setbacks, she saved her best for the final, earning Player of the Match. Shafali will next feature in India’s T20I series against Sri Lanka and the WPL with Delhi Capitals.
