Shafali Verma’s Comeback: Greatest Ever Knock in Women’s World Cup Final?

The Indian women’s cricket team got a huge boost as Shafali Verma made a brilliant comeback into the squad after Pratika Rawal’s injury. Her return couldn’t have come at a better time, as India made it to the knockout stage of this ICC Women's World Cup 2025, in which they faced Australia in the semi-final and South Africa in the Final. Shafali is known for her explosive batting and fearless mindset. Shafali Verma proved once again why she is such an important player for India, especially in crucial matches.

After being left out of the Indian side for a very long period of time, her comeback to the team is like a dream come true. In the Women’s World Cup, Shafali played a breathtaking knock in the final that set the stage for India’s strong start. Her innings was full of power and precision, just the kind of performance that defines big-match players.

Indian opener Shafali Verma comeback has not only strengthened India’s batting lineup but also added energy and belief to the dressing room. With her impactful performance in the Women’s World Cup, she has once again proved that she’s built for big moments and remains one of India’s brightest stars in world cricket.

Shafali Verma Comeback Into the Indian Team

Shafali Verma's return to the Indian squad is also counted in a big way during the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, which is among the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world. While opening the innings, Shafali played a brilliant knock of 87 runs off 78 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. She, along with one of the best women cricketers in the world, Smriti Mandhana, built a strong opening partnership of 104 runs that gave India a perfect start in the high-pressure final.

She was dropped on 56 at deep mid-wicket. Although she was later caught by Sune Luus at mid-off, her explosive innings set the platform for India’s total.

During the semi-final against Australia, Shafali couldn’t perform well and was dismissed early for just 10 runs. But in the final, she made a stunning comeback, showing her determination, confidence, and big-match temperament when India needed her the most.

India’s Strong Start Falls Short of 300 Despite 104-Run Opening Stand

India began their innings with great confidence in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final, thanks to a solid 104-run opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Shafali played a brilliant knock of 87 runs off 78 balls, while Mandhana added 45 runs with fine timing and placement. Their partnership gave India a perfect start, and fans expected the team to post a total beyond 300.
However, after both openers got out, India’s scoring rate slowed down. Deepti Sharma fought hard with a determined 58 runs, but wickets at regular intervals hurt India’s momentum. In the end, Richa Ghosh’s quick 34 helped India reach 298 for 7 in 50 overs, a strong total, but slightly short of what looked possible earlier. Despite missing the 300 mark, it was a fighting performance built on a powerful start.