From Deepti to Shafali: Architects of Indian Women's WC Triumph

By: WE Staff

Deepti Sharma – Player of the Tournament

Deepti Sharma emerged as the heartbeat of India’s World Cup triumph, a true all-round powerhouse whose calm composure and match-winning instincts shone through every game. She delivered one of the most complete performances, amassing 215 runs across the tournament, including a crucial 58 off 58 balls in the high-pressure final. With the ball, she was unstoppable, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets, sealing her dominance with a sensational 5/39 in the title clash. Her extraordinary feat made her the first Indian cricketer, male or female, to score a fifty and take five wickets in a World Cup final.

Shafali Verma – Player of the Final

Stepping in as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal ahead of the semifinal, Shafali Verma turned opportunity into destiny. In the grand finale, she delivered a breathtaking all-round performance, smashing a match-winning 87 off 78 balls, the highest by an Indian opener in a Women’s World Cup final, and later claiming 2 crucial wickets for 36 runs. Her fearless stroke play set the tone for India’s commanding total of 298/7, blending aggression with remarkable maturity. Shafali’s explosive start and timely breakthroughs made her the heartbeat of the final, earning her the Player of the Match award and cementing her place in India’s cricketing folklore.