Shafali Verma Creates History as Youngest to Score 50 in World Cup Final

• India’s Shafali Verma etched her name into cricket history during the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final in Mumbai, becoming the youngest cricketer ever—across both men’s and women’s formats—to score a half-century in a World Cup final. Her explosive innings helped India post a formidable total of 298/7 against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium, the second-highest total in Women’s World Cup final history.

Record-Breaking Knock at DY Patil Stadium

• Opening the innings with Smriti Mandhana , Shafali played a breathtaking knock of 87 runs off 78 balls , striking seven fours and two sixes. The duo shared a 104-run partnership , laying the foundation for India’s strong total. At 21 years and 278 days , Shafali broke Virender Sehwag’s 2003 men’s record to become the youngest player ever to score a fifty in a World Cup final. She also surpassed Australia’s Jessica Duffin , who previously held the women’s record.

Impactful All-Round Performance

• Shafali’s contribution wasn’t limited to batting. With the ball, she produced two crucial breakthroughs in quick succession— dismissing South Africa’s Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp —tilting the momentum firmly in India’s favour. Her all-round performance showcased maturity, confidence, and control under pressure, earning widespread praise from fans and experts alike.

Historical Comparisons and Milestones

• Her achievement places her ahead of several legends, including Jessica Duffin (23 years, 235 days) , Nat Sciver-Brunt (24 years, 337 days) , and Virender Sehwag (24 years, 154 days) . Known for her fearless and aggressive approach, Shafali has often been compared to Sehwag, but this milestone firmly establishes her as a generational talent in her own right.

A New Chapter for Indian Women’s Cricket

• Shafali’s heroics mark a defining moment in India’s women’s cricket journey. Her performance reflects the growing depth and confidence of the national team on the global stage. As India continues to chase greater milestones, Shafali’s name now stands as a symbol of the new, fearless generation leading that charge.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Event: 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Final

• Player: Shafali Verma (India)

• Score: 87 runs off 78 balls; 7 fours, 2 sixes

• Age Record: Youngest ever (21 years, 278 days) to score a fifty in any World Cup final

• Bowling: 2 wickets – Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp

• Team Total: 298/7 – second-highest in Women’s World Cup final history