“God has sent me to do something good” - Replacement player Shafali Verma after winning POTM award in the Final

Indian opening batter Shafali Verma, who came in as a replacement player for Pratika Rawal, has stated that God has sent her to do something good in the knockouts of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

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While Shafali couldn’t make it big in the second semi-final against Australia, she went on to score a crucial 87-run knock in the grand finale against South Africa. Moreover, she scalped two top-order wickets with the ball in hand. She was adjudged the player of the match for her heroics in the final.

“I said in the starting that God has sent me to do something good. And today that has reflected. And I am very happy that we finally won the World Cup. I can't express it in words. It was difficult but I had confidence in myself. That I will believe in myself. And if I keep myself calm, I can do anything. So that belief and that calmness and my parents gave a lot of support,” Shafali said in the post-match presentation.

“My mind was clear today. And I went and worked on my plans. I am so happy that they got executed. And along with that, Smriti didi was talking to me a lot. Harman di was always a supporter. And I think everyone supported me a lot. All the teammates were very welcoming and supportive,” she added.

“The team just opened their hearts and told me to play my game. Not to leave my game. So, I think when you get so much clarity, then you feel very happy,” she emphasized.

Shafali further added that she gets a lot of advice from the legendary Indian batter, Sachin Tendulkar. Notably, Sachin graced his presence at the DY Patil Stadium during the grand finale, which boosted Shafali to excel.

“When I saw Sachin sir, I got a different boost. I keep talking to Sachin sir. He always gives me confidence. And I think they are legends. They are masters of cricket. But I got a lot of inspiration from them. I get a lot of inspiration when I talk to them. I got a lot of inspiration after seeing them,” she concluded.

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