India Women opening batter Shafali Verma lived the moment of her life, as she was asked to replace Pratika Rawal for the 2025 World Cup knockouts. Delivering a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa, Shafali was the Player of the Match in the final, working as a blessing in disguise for the Indian team that lifted its maiden World Cup in Navi Mumbai on November 2.
Shafali made a solid 87 to lay the foundation for the Indian team, as they set a 299 target. The things were looking difficult, as the visitors were building a partnership, and that is exactly when she handed her side a huge breakthrough with her spin. She further accounted for one more scalp, finishing with 2-36, as India emerged triumphant. She has been adjudged the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for her brilliance.
“My first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup experience didn’t go as I expected but it ended far better than I could have ever wished or imagined. I’m grateful that I could contribute to the team’s success in the Final and that I was able to be a part of making history in winning the World Cup for the first time and in front of a home crowd,” Shafali said in a release by ICC.
“I’m truly honoured to be named the Women’s Player of the Month for November. I dedicate this award to my teammates, coaches, family and everyone who has supported my journey until now. We win and lose as a team, the same goes for this award,” Shafali added.
Simon Harmer becomes Men’s Player of the Month
Meanwhile, South African spinner Simon Harmer came to India for the Test series against the Shubman Gill-led side, and enjoyed his outing to finish with a staggering 17 wickets in the series. For this exceptional performance with the ball, the 36-year-old was named the Men’s Player of the Month. He was among the nominees alongside Taijul Islam and Mohammad Nawaz, but overtook the duo to bag the award.
“It’s a privilege to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November. Playing for my country is a dream come true and anything else that comes from it as a result is a bonus. I share this award with my teammates, coaches, and support staff and dedicate it to my family who allow me to go out and live my dream, often having to leave them at home to do so,” Harmer said.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of the Proteas team, and I hope to enjoy many more successful seasons with this remarkable group of people,” the spinner added.
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