India’s triumphant Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign was powered by an exceptional performance from Shafali Verma, who has credited cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar for providing crucial inspiration. Verma’s stunning 87-run knock was instrumental in securing India’s first-ever World Cup title against a formidable South African side.
Verma’s opportunity arose unexpectedly when she was drafted into the squad just last week as a replacement. The dynamic 21-year-old seized the moment, delivering a career-defining innings that showcased her aggressive batting style. This pivotal performance served as a redemption arc for Verma, who had been out of favor in India’s ODI squad.
Recounting the pre-match atmosphere, Verma highlighted the electrifying presence of Tendulkar. “When I saw him (Tendulkar), it gave me an incredible boost. I kept talking to him and he kept giving me confidence,” she was quoted as saying. “He is the master of cricket, and we keep getting inspired just looking at him.”
Adding another layer to her impact, Verma proved her all-round capabilities by taking two key wickets with the ball. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s bold decision to deploy Verma in the bowling attack during the Proteas’ chase proved to be a game-changer. Kaur admitted it was a calculated risk that yielded immediate rewards, calling Verma’s back-to-back breakthroughs the turning point.
Verma expressed immense joy and pride in the team’s victory, emphasizing her persistent faith in her abilities. “It was difficult but I had confidence in myself, that if I can stay calm, I could achieve everything,” she said. “My mind was clear, and I worked on my plans. I am happy that I could execute them and everyone was supporting me.”