UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill and determination, India’s Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues led their team to victory in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, prompting Meg Lanning to commend their historic performances following the final match held on November 8, 2025, in New Delhi.
Just moments after India’s triumph, Lanning, the former Australian captain, expressed admiration for Verma, who was thrust into the tournament as a last-minute replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal. Verma dazzled on the field, scoring a quickfire 87 runs and taking two critical wickets, which derailed South Africa’s chase in a nail-biting final.
“I wasn’t surprised by the way she played at all,” Lanning remarked, highlighting Verma’s aggressive style. “She’s been successful for years with her no-fuss approach, aiming to hit the ball hard straight down the ground.” Lanning’s insights reflect the high stakes of the final, where Verma’s strategy shone through early on, targeting the side screen and showcasing remarkable batting prowess.
Rodrigues also emerged as a pivotal player throughout the tournament, finishing as India’s third-highest run-scorer, amassing 292 runs across eight innings. Her standout moment came in the semi-final against Australia, where she scored a breathtaking 127 not out, leading India to a record chase against the top-ranked women’s ODI team.
“To see Jemi perform like she did was really impressive, under a lot of pressure,” Lanning said. “She took that responsibility and made sure she was there at the end.”
Both athletes have not only showcased exceptional talent but have also become inspiring figures for aspiring cricketers globally, proving that resilience and skill can shine even under immense pressure. Their performances have sparked excitement and pride across India, with fans celebrating this landmark victory as a testament to the country’s growing prowess in women’s cricket.
As the cricketing world reflects on this monumental win, all eyes will be on Verma and Rodrigues to see how they can build on this success in future tournaments. With their impressive track record and the support of a dedicated fanbase, the future looks bright for these young stars.
This victory not only cements India’s status in women’s cricket but also highlights the importance of nurturing young talent on the international stage. Stay tuned for more updates as the celebrations continue and the impact of this win resonates throughout the cricketing community.
