New Delhi, November 3, 2025

India’s dynamic opener Shafali Verma described her dramatic recall to the national squad ahead of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup semi-finals as nothing short of divine intervention, saying her last-minute inclusion and eventual match-winning heroics in the final were all part of “God’s plan.”

At the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday, Shafali delivered a stellar all-round performance in India’s historic 52-run win over South Africa, scoring 87 runs and taking two wickets to earn the Player of the Match award. The victory marked India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title — and a moment of redemption for Shafali, who had been left out of the initial squad before being drafted in as a late replacement for injured all-rounder Pratika Rawal.

“When I got the call before the semi-final, I was honestly shocked but extremely happy. Getting a chance like that, at the very last moment, doesn’t happen often. I told myself to enjoy the moment and play my natural game,” Shafali said in a post-match interview with JioStar. “To score runs and take wickets in the final — it really feels like a dream come true. I truly believe this was all God’s plan.”

Reflecting on her journey back to the team, the 21-year-old batter credited the positive team environment and strong leadership for helping her settle in instantly. “From the first day I rejoined, everyone made me feel like I belonged. Harman di (Harmanpreet Kaur) and our coach told me to play fearlessly, just be myself. That gave me so much confidence. The team’s support and unity are what make us so strong.”

Shafali also opened up about the disappointment of missing the original squad selection, which she said only motivated her to train harder. “When I wasn’t picked, it really hurt. But instead of giving up, I worked on my fitness and focus. My teammates and family kept encouraging me, saying, ‘Your time will come — stay ready.’ And when the call finally came, I wanted to make every moment count.”

Speaking about the team’s World Cup journey, she highlighted the semifinal win over Australia as the defining moment. “Beating Australia was the turning point. It gave us belief that we could go all the way. Everyone gave 100 percent — whether on the field or cheering from the sidelines.”

Her teammate Jemimah Rodrigues echoed that sentiment, calling Shafali’s comeback “meant to be.” “Some things just happen for a reason,” Rodrigues said. “Shafali’s inclusion before the semi-final changed everything for us. Her energy lifted the team. Beyond her performance, it was the belief and togetherness that defined this win.”

Shafali summed it up best — the World Cup wasn’t just about lifting a trophy; it was about faith, resilience, and the power of second chances.

 Faith, Fire, and the Final Glory

Shafali Verma’s World Cup journey reads like a script only destiny could write. Left out of the original squad, she got a last-minute call before the semi-final and turned it into a story of redemption and faith. In the final, she smashed 87 runs, took two wickets, and lifted the trophy that had eluded India for years. For Shafali, it wasn’t luck — it was divine timing. With courage in her heart and belief in her game, she proved that when opportunity knocks unexpectedly, champions don’t just answer — they rise and make history.