In a contest filled with high pressure and emotional intensity, Harmanpreet Kaur’s tactical brilliance shone through as she turned to an unexpected bowling option — Shafali Verma — during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Known primarily for her explosive batting, Shafali stunned the Proteas with her golden arm, taking two vital wickets in quick succession to tilt the momentum firmly in India’s favour.
A gamble that turned into a masterstroke for Harmanpreet Kaur
With South Africa building a steady partnership in pursuit of 299, Harmanpreet was in search of a breakthrough. The Indian skipper’s decision to hand the ball to Shafali — who rarely bowls in crunch situations — initially raised eyebrows. But what followed was a game-changing spell that electrified the packed stadium.
In her very first over, Shafali produced a moment of magic. Delivering a deceptive length ball outside off, she forced former South Africa’s captain Sune Luus into a mistimed push. The ball stopped just enough off the pitch to induce a return catch, which Shafali snatched inches above the turf. The roar that followed could be heard across Navi Mumbai.
Harmanpreet sprinted towards the young all-rounder, leaping into her arms in pure delight. The decision had paid off — India had broken a threatening stand and regained their grip on the final.
Here’s the video:
What a moment! 😍🤩👌🏻#HarmanpreetKaur introduced #ShafaliVerma into bowling & she gets the wicket of Luus! 🫡👏🏻#CWC25 Final 👉 #INDvSA, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/gGh9yFhTix pic.twitter.com/8rsuBlFd78
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 2, 2025
Also WATCH: IND vs SA – Amanjot Kaur’s stunning direct hit removes Tazmin Brits in the 2025 Women’s World Cup final
Dismissing Marizanne Kapp — the moment that lifted India
Just when the crowd settled down from the first breakthrough, Shafali struck again — this time removing Marizanne Kapp, one of the tournament’s most dangerous batters. Bowling from around the wicket, Shafali delivered a delivery drifting down the leg side that turned sharply off the surface. Kapp, looking to glance it fine, only managed to glove it to Richa Ghosh, who completed a superb catch behind the stumps.
The umpire’s finger went up immediately, and Kapp’s dismissal sent the stadium into a frenzy. The South African all-rounder walked off shaking her head, while Indian players surrounded Shafali in jubilation. Her double strike came at a critical juncture, leaving South Africa reeling and putting India firmly back in control of the grand finale.
Here’s the video:
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
