WATCH: Shafali Verma’s two wickets give India edge in WC final against South Africa

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New Delhi: Indian star Shafali Verma played a starring role in the Women’s World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as she excelled with both bat and ball. After playing a stunning of 87 off 78 balls for India, she delivered with the ball when it mattered the most. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur made changes in the plan and handed her the ball. The plan worked out as Shefali immediately made an impact, picking up two crucial wickets to give India a strong position in the match.

Her first strike came in the 21st over on her second delivery when she forced Sune Luus (25) into a return catch. In the very next over, she sent Marizanne Kapp (4) edging down leg to wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh.These breakthroughs broke a key partnership and shifted the momentum in India’s favor.

Not only did Shafali break the vital stand but she also became the first player in Women’s World Cup final history to score a fifty and claim two wickets in the same match. Her all-round performance highlighted came at the right time as she wasn’t part of the team but came as Pratika Rawal’s replacement and left an impact with her crucial distribution. Before Sunday, the 21-year-old had bowled just 14 overs in ODIs and taken only one wicket, making this feat even more remarkable.

Harmanpreet’s decision to give Shafali the ball proved worth it. The young opener’s sharp bowling forced South Africa to make mistakes at a critical juncture, allowing India to control the match and build pressure on the experienced Proteas lineup.

India holds advantage but chase continues

After 31 overs, South Africa are at 156/5 with Laura Wolvaardt keeping the score ticking at 78 off 75 balls. The Proteas still need 143 runs to win, which means the Women In Blue still have a chance. They need to get Wolvaardt’s wicket quickly and plan for a collapse if they hope to lift the trophy on home soil.

Shafali’s performance with bat and ball has put India in a commanding position but the match remains finely balanced so far. Every delivery and every run from this point will be crucial as the Women in Blue fight to claim World Cup glory.