India opener Shafali Verma’s match-winning performance in the Women’s World Cup final against South Africa last month has earned her the ICC ‘Player of the Month’ award for November. The 21-year-old claimed the honour for the first time, beating Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong and the UAE’s Esha Oza.
Shafali, who came into the playing XI as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal in the semi-final against Australia, played a decisive role in the final at Navi Mumbai. She struck a brilliant 78-ball 87- the highest score by an Indian opener in a Women’s World Cup final — as India posted a formidable 298 for 7. The hosts then went on to secure a 52-run victory, lifting their maiden World Cup trophy in front of a home crowd.
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Grateful and truly honoured
Opening the innings, Shafali shared a crucial 104-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana, laying a strong foundation for India’s big total. Her aggressive yet composed knock proved to be the turning point of the final.
“My first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup experience didn’t go as I expected, but it ended far better than I could have ever wished or imagined,” said Shafali in an ICC release.
“I’m grateful that I could contribute to the team’s success in the final and that I was able to be a part of making history in winning the World Cup for the first time and in front of a home crowd.
“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 until now. We win and lose as a team; the same goes for this award,” she added.
Simon Harmer got ICC Player of the Month in Men's category
In the men’s category, South Africa spinner Simon Harmer was named ICC Player of the Month for November for his outstanding bowling in the Test series against India, which the Proteas won 2-0. Harmer edged past Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam and Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz to claim the award for the first time.
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The 36-year-old picked up a combined 17 wickets in the series, helping South Africa secure their maiden Test series win in India in 25 years. He returned figures of four for 30 and four for 21 in the Kolkata Test, followed by three for 64 and six for 37 in Guwahati, finishing the series at an average of 8.94 and an economy of 1.91.
“Playing for my country is a dream come true, and anything else that comes from it as a result is a bonus. I share this award with my teammates, coaches and support staff and dedicate it to my family who allow me to go out and live my dream, often having to leave them at home to do so,” said Harmer in ICC release.
