New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- Shafali Verma made a grand return in the Indian team with a fifty in the final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Omitted from the squad initially, Shafali was recalled as a replacement to injured Pratika Rawal just before the semifinal against Australia.

Although the swashbuckling right-hander fell cheaply against the Australians, the 22-year-old made sure she grabbed the opportunity with both hands when it mattered the most as the Indians were off to a solid start after being put to bat first, following a two-hour delay.

Along with fellow opening partner Smriti Mandhana, Shafali went against the opposition from the onset with a four in the first...