Laura Wolvaardt acknowledged that she did not anticipate Shafali Verma bowling as much as she did during Sunday, November 2, in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final in Navi Mumbai. After scoring 87 off 78 and 2/36 in seven overs, Verma, 21, won Player of the Match for his all-around performance, which helped India win the summit match.
On a moment as important as the World Cup final, Wolvaardt acknowledged that her squad had not expected Verma to bowl a lot. She added that South Africa was unable to take the initiative against her because of the two wickets she claimed early in her session.
She bowled less than expected today, so there was a bit of a surprise element from them. She managed to get a few wickets by bowling slowly and with the front of her hand. She took two key wickets, which is annoying because you don’t want to lose to a part-time bowler in a World Cup final. Not giving her any more wickets nearly required us to err on the side of caution. She did fairly good at bowling. The fact that it’s not the person you intended for is frustrating.
But yes, she did play well,” Wolvaardt said at the news conference following the game, according to India Today.
India had the lead in the match from the moment Shafali took the first two wickets and prevented the opposition from gaining any kind of momentum in their run-chase. South Africa ultimately lost by 52 runs, despite Wolvaardt’s heroic 101 off 98 helping her team.
The 21st over of the second innings saw Verma brought onto the field. The momentum South Africa had built from the beginning was stopped when she removed Sune Luus (25 off 31) and Marizanne Kapp (4 off 5) in consecutive overs. Verma’s effort was crucial as she gave up just 36 runs in her seven overs.
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