India Women opening batter Shafali Verma lived the moment of her life, as she was asked to replace Pratika Rawal for the 2025 World Cup knockouts. Delivering a match-winning performance in the final against South Africa, Shafali was the Player of the Match in the final, working as a blessing in disguise for the Indian team that lifted its maiden World Cup in Navi Mumbai on November 2.
Shafali made a solid 87 to lay the foundation for the Indian team, as they set a 299 target. The things were looking difficult, as the visitors were building a partnership, and that is exactly when she handed her side a huge breakthrough with her spin. She further accounted for one more scalp, finishing with 2-36, as India emerged triumphant. She has been adjudged the ICC Women's Player of the Month for her brilliance.
Meanwhile, South African spinner Simon Harmer came to India for the Test series against the Shubman Gill-led side, and enjoyed his outing to finish with a staggering 17 wickets in the series. For this exceptional performance with the ball, the 36-year-old was named the Men's Player of the Month. He was among the nominees alongside Taijul Islam and Mohammad Nawaz, but overtook the duo to bag the award.
