Shafali Verma ICC Player of the Month After Heroic World Cup Final Show
India Women’s opening batter Shafali Verma capped off a dream World Cup campaign by winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, following her match-defining performance in the 2025 Women’s World Cup final against South Africa.
Drafted into the knockout stages in place of Pratika Rawal, Shafali made the opportunity count in emphatic fashion. Playing the final at Navi Mumbai on November 2, she produced a performance that proved decisive in India lifting their maiden Women’s World Cup title on home soil.
Match-Winning All-Round Display in the Final
Opening the batting, Shafali laid a strong platform with a composed yet aggressive 87-run knock, helping India post a formidable total of 299 runs. When South Africa threatened with a steady partnership during the chase, Shafali stepped up once again—this time with the ball.
Using her part-time spin effectively, she broke the crucial stand and finished with impressive figures of 2 for 36, playing a key role in swinging the momentum back in India’s favour. Her all-round impact earned her the Player of the Match award in the final.
Shafali Reflects on Her Journey and Achievement
Expressing her gratitude, Shafali admitted that her first World Cup experience did not unfold as expected initially, but the ending surpassed all her hopes.
She credited her teammates, coaches, and family for their constant support and emphasized that the award was a collective achievement rather than an individual one. Winning the World Cup in front of a home crowd, she said, made the moment even more special.
Simon Harmer Bags ICC Men’s Player of the Month
On the men’s side, South African spinner Simon Harmer was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November after a sensational Test series in India.
The experienced off-spinner was instrumental in the two-match series, finishing with a remarkable 17 wickets against a strong Indian batting lineup led by Shubman Gill. His consistency and match-winning spells set him apart from fellow nominees Taijul Islam and Mohammad Nawaz.
Also read: Bangladesh players IPL 2026 NOC update ahead of auction
Harmer Credits Team and Family for Success
Harmer described the recognition as a privilege and highlighted how playing for South Africa remains the ultimate honor of his career. He dedicated the award to his teammates, coaching staff, and family, acknowledging their sacrifices and support.
The spinner also expressed optimism about contributing to many more successful campaigns with the Proteas, underlining the strong team culture within the squad.
DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP
DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP
