🏏ICC Women's World Cup 2025: South Africa W vs India W, FINAL🏏 - Page 14

151 for team India!!

after 25 overs!!

That was an amazing six from Shefali

Did Anneke Bosch just drop the World Cup? It could be too early to say such a bold statement, but you don't drop players like Shafali whose game is built on dominating opponents with power hitting. There is a reason why she is the youngest debutant (In T20s - 15 years 239 days) for India till date. She brings that "X" factor into play and when the selectors decided to pick Pratika over Shafali, a major section of the India fans were not happy despite Pratika's improved consistency. Who doesn't love the unpredictability factor and all the thrills associated with it? For someone so young, it must have been incredibly difficult mentally knowing that you won't be part of the home World Cup - a dream for any cricketer. While some struggle to cope with the heartbreaks, the others use those setbacks to rise like a phoenix. Shafali, surely, is the latter. The omission did not deter her one bit. She kept playing for her domestic side (Haryana) and averaged 75.28 at a strike rate of 152.31 in the 2024-25 season. She was also the 4th highest run-getter in WPL 2025 and regularly featured in the India "A" games throughout the year. During this time, she worked on rotating strike and focused on hitting straight rather than going for the cross-bat slogs. She was dropped by Bosch on 56. While some might count that as luck, Shafali might consider that as a reward for all the hardwork she put in after being left out from the ODI side. She now looks in the mood to take on anything remotely poor (line and length) from the bowlers. Ominous signs for South Africa.

INDW 158-1(26)

CRR:6.08

South Africa Women opt to bowl

Shefali is on 83.

Very unfortunate, she should score 100.

Ayabonga Khaka to Shafali Verma, out Caught by Luus!! That last ball they took just one and now we see Shafali Verma hole out to mid-off. That's what good fielding can do. So so crucial in any format. Shafali Verma c Luus b Ayabonga Khaka 87(78) [4s-7 6s-2]

Ayabonga Khaka to Shafali Verma, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Feeling bad for Shafali

She deserved that 100

Marizanne Kapp to Kaur, FOUR, superb from Kaur. She goes low even before the ball is bowled, it's full outside off, she laps it over Sinalo Jafta, total control and Marizanne Kapp can't believe it, she has a startled expression on her face

Ayabonga Khaka to Rodrigues, out Caught by Wolvaardt!! Wolvaardt is claiming that at cover. It's a low catch and they are going upstairs. Rodrigues c Wolvaardt b Ayabonga Khaka 24(37) [4s-1]

Ayabonga Khaka to Rodrigues, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Partnership: 0(0)

Last Wkt: Jemimah Rodrigues c Wolvaardt b Ayabonga Khaka 24(37) - 171/3 in 29.4 ov.

Last 10 overs: 57 runs, 2 wkts

Toss: South Africa Women (Bowling)

Jemimah out

Shafali’s innings (by footwork)

Front foot: 30(29), SR: 103.44

Back foot: 23(23), SR: 100

Down the track: 31(22), SR: 140.90

Other: 3(4), SR: 75

Shafali going down the track today

vs pace: 13 off 8, three fours, SR: 162.50

vs spin: 18 off 14, one six, SR: 128.57