Shafali Verma, the star batter who propelled India to their maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup title, has disclosed the significant influence of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on her decisive knock in the final. Verma’s breathtaking 87 runs against South Africa were crucial in sealing the victory.
Called up to the squad just days before the final due to an injury, the 21-year-old Verma delivered a performance that will be etched in cricketing history. This triumphant outing served as a powerful statement for Verma, who had faced criticism and was recently removed from the ODI team, highlighting her resilience and skill.
Verma emphasized the morale boost she received from encountering Tendulkar at the venue. “When I saw him (Tendulkar), it gave me an incredible boost. I kept talking to him and he kept giving me confidence,” she revealed. “He is the master of cricket, and we keep getting inspired just looking at him.”
In a display of her all-round prowess, Verma also contributed with the ball, dismissing two key South African batters. This bowling spell, initiated by captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s trust, proved to be a game-changing moment. Kaur termed it a ‘gut feeling’ that provided the breakthroughs needed to control the run chase.
Verma spoke of her unwavering self-belief despite past setbacks. “It was difficult but I had confidence in myself, that if I can stay calm, I could achieve everything,” she said. “My mind was clear, and I worked on my plans. I am happy that I could execute them and everyone was supporting me.”