Was Meg Lanning Surprised by Shafali Verma's Performance in the Women’s ODI World Cup Final?
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Synopsis
In an exclusive interview, former Australian captain Meg Lanning shares her insights on Shafali Verma's stunning performance in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final. Explore how Shafali’s explosive batting and strategic gameplay contributed to India’s historic victory over South Africa!
Key Takeaways
- Shafali Verma showcased her talent with a remarkable 87 runs in the final.
- Her aggressive batting style has made her a key player for India.
- Deepti Sharma’s versatility was crucial in India's success.
- Jemimah Rodrigues demonstrated composure under pressure in the semi-final.
- India's historic win marked a significant milestone in women’s cricket.
New Delhi, Nov 8 (NationPress) Former Australian captain Meg Lanning expressed that she was completely unfazed by Shafali Verma's remarkable display during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final. She noted that the young talent was unstoppable with her signature vertical bat shots and innate flair.
Shafali stepped in for the injured Pratika Rawal just before the semi-final against Australia and capitalized on her chance with a match-winning effort in the final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium on November 2.
Opening the innings with Smriti Mandhana, she delivered an impressive 87 runs off 78 balls, helping India set a challenging target of 298. Furthermore, she took two crucial wickets in her initial seven deliveries, dismissing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, which significantly hampered South Africa’s run chase. Her all-around performance was pivotal in securing India’s historic 52-run win, clinching the ODI World Cup for the first time.
“I was not surprised by her performance at all. Shafali has been successful for years with her aggressive style of cricket, aiming to strike the ball hard and straight,” said Meg.
“Watching some of her innings in the final, it was evident early on that she aimed for the side screen down the ground and played with that vertical bat, making it tough to stop her,” added Meg, who has shared the field with Shafali during three seasons with Delhi Capitals in the WPL, during an episode of The ICC Review.
Meg also praised all-rounder Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Tournament, for her capability to influence various stages of the game. “Deepti can impact matches with both bat and ball, and importantly, she can do so at different points in the innings,” she stated.
“There’s no specific way she finds success; she can perform consistently throughout the game under pressure, making her a vital player for India,” Meg concluded.
She wrapped up her comments by commending Jemimah Rodrigues for maintaining her composure in a high-stakes match while scoring an unbeaten 127 during the record chase of 339 against Australia in the semi-final. “I wanted Australia to win that game, but witnessing Jemi's performance under immense pressure was truly impressive. She took on the responsibility and ensured she finished the game,” Meg remarked.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the remarkable talent on display during international tournaments. Shafali Verma's performance not only signifies her skill and potential but also highlights the growing competitiveness of women's cricket on a global stage. Lanning's insights reflect a deeper understanding of the game and its players, making her commentary valuable in appreciating such pivotal moments in sports.
NationPress
08/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Meg Lanning say about Shafali Verma?
Meg Lanning stated that she was not surprised by Shafali Verma's explosive performance, noting her aggressive playing style and ability to score runs effectively.
How did Shafali Verma perform in the World Cup final?
Shafali Verma scored 87 runs off 78 balls and took two crucial wickets, playing a significant role in India's victory over South Africa.
Who was the Player of the Tournament in the World Cup?
Deepti Sharma was named the Player of the Tournament for her impactful performances with both bat and ball throughout the tournament.
What was Jemimah Rodrigues’ contribution in the semi-final?
Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten 127 runs, leading India to a record chase of 339 runs against Australia in the semi-final.
How did Lanning describe Deepti Sharma's performance?
Lanning praised Deepti Sharma for her ability to impact games at different stages, highlighting her versatility and importance to the Indian team.
