Shafali Verma reveals Sachin Tendulkar's role in her sensational knock in Women's World Cup final: 'When I saw him...'

21-year-old Shafali Verma played one of the greatest knocks of her career in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final on Sunday. The young opener, who had joined India’s squad a week before the summit clash as an injury replacement, produced a match-winning performance as India lifted their first-ever ICC title after beating South Africa in Navi Mumbai.

Shafali credits Sachin for her stellar knock

Shafali smashed a brilliant 87 off 78 balls, setting the tone for India’s strong total of 298/7. Later, she took two important wickets during South Africa’s chase, a performance that earned her the Player of the Match award. But according to Shafali, it was former India great Sachin Tendulkar’s presence at the ground that gave her the belief she needed.

“When I saw him (Tendulkar), it gave me an incredible boost. I kept talking to him and he kept giving me confidence. He is the master of cricket, and we keep getting inspired just looking at him,” Shafali revealed after the win.

Shafali was dropped from India’s ODI team last year due to poor form, but she returned to the side after opener Pratika Rawal got injured in the middle of the tournament. She had scored just 10 runs in the semifinal against Australia, but produced the biggest knock of her life when it mattered the most.

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She forged key partnerships with Smriti Mandhana (45) and Jemimah Rodrigues (24). During South Africa’s run chase, when captain Harmanpreet Kaur gave her the ball in a tense moment, Shafali responded with two wickets in one over, turning the match India’s way.

Shafali, who couldn’t hold back her emotions after the win, said she was grateful for the trust her captain and teammates showed in her. “I am very happy that we won and I cannot express it in words. It was difficult, but I believed in myself. Everyone supported me, and the seniors told me to play my natural game. That helped me stay calm and focused,” she said.