Shafali Verma smashes highest-ever score by an Indian opener in Women’s World Cup final

Shafali Verma created history on Sunday, November 2, by scoring the highest individual total by an Indian opener in any World Cup final, across both men’s and women’s cricket. She broke Punam Raut’s record of 86 from the 2017 Women’s World Cup final and Virender Sehwag’s 82 from the 2003 men’s final. Her fearless batting set a new benchmark for Indian openers on the big stage.

In ICC tournament finals, Sourav Ganguly’s 117 in the 2000 Champions Trophy still remains India’s highest-ever score. But Shafali’s record in a World Cup final stands out, especially since no Indian had crossed 86 in such a match before. Unlike Raut’s steady approach, Shafali went on the attack right from the start, smashing 78 balls for her remarkable knock. Her innings included seven boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate of over 110.

Her second ODI and playing her first semifinal, Shafali took the opportunity with both hands when she was replacing Pratika Rawal just before the semifinal. She together with Smriti Mandhana provided India with a flying start with 104-run partnership in the first wicket. Mandhana made a good contribution of 45, to enable India to mark a formidable platform at the top. Their collaboration provided the fans with an assurance of an enormous sum in the final.

But India had to lose fast wickets during the middle overs when Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur falling cheaply. Deepti Sharma (54) and Richa Ghosh (34) attempted a battle of 47-run stand with the bowlers of South Africa posing a strong response. Ayabonga Khaka was the main aggressor with three wickets and India was denied 300. In spite of the late crumble, Mandhana was a leading scorer in India with 434 runs at the end of the tournament, finally completing a year to remember.

Highest scores by Indian openers in World Cup finals