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Shafali Verma, 21, Sets Youngest World Cup Final Fifty Mark With 87 for India

Recalled six days earlier after Pratika Rawal’s injury, the opener’s 78-ball surge set up India’s 298 on a rain-delayed day in Navi Mumbai.

Overview

  • Verma smashed 87 off 78 balls with seven fours and two sixes to headline India’s innings at DY Patil Stadium.
  • Her half-century made her the youngest player to fifty in an ODI World Cup final across men’s and women’s events, surpassing Jessica Duffin and eclipsing Virender Sehwag as India’s youngest.
  • She and Smriti Mandhana shared a 104-run opening stand after South Africa chose to bowl, setting a platform in the final.
  • The 21-year-old’s score is the highest by an Indian opener in a World Cup final, moving past Punam Raut’s 86.
  • India closed on 298 (298/7 reported) after a two-hour rain delay and Wolvaardt’s decision at the toss to field first.