India opener Shafali Verma has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for November 2025 following her match-winning performance in the Women’s ODI World Cup final against South Africa.
Drafted into the playing XI as a late replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, Shafali made the opportunity count with a fluent 87 off 78 balls in the final. It was the highest score by an Indian opener in a Women’s World Cup final. Her innings, highlighted by aggressive stroke play, set the platform for India’s total of 298 for 7.
Shafali also shared a record 100-run opening partnership with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, giving India early momentum in the title clash. She then made a key impact with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets in quick succession to dismiss Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp. She finished with figures of 2 for 36 from seven overs.
Her all-round performance played a major role in India securing their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title, achieved in front of a home crowd.
Reacting to the award, Shafali said her first World Cup experience did not go as planned initially but ended in a way she had never imagined. She said she was grateful to contribute to the final and be part of a historic World Cup win.
“I’m truly honoured to be named the Women’s Player of the Month for November. I dedicate this award to my teammates, coaches, family, and everyone who has supported my journey. We win and lose as a team, and the same goes for this award,” she said in an ICC statement.
Shafali beat competition from Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong and UAE captain Esha Oza to win her first ICC Player of the Month award. The recognition also marked a strong comeback for the 21-year-old, who had earlier been dropped from India’s ODI squad before rebuilding her form in domestic cricket.
She will next be seen in action when India takes on Sri Lanka in a five-match T20I series starting December 21 in Visakhapatnam.