‘Knew it was her day’: Harmanpreet Kaur thrilled as gut feel on Shafali Varma powers India to Women's World Cup 2025 win

Divy Dubey

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‘Knew it was her day’: Harmanpreet Kaur thrilled as gut feel on Shafali Varma powers India to Women's World Cup 2025 win image

India finally ended their long wait for an ICC title in women's cricket, lifting the 2025 Women's World Cup with a 52-run win over South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

It was a night of joy, relief, and pride for Harmanpreet Kaur's side, who held their nerve in the high-pressure final to script history.

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Amid all the standout performances, it was the captain's instinctive decision that turned the match — a gut call that brought Shafali Verma into the attack at a critical moment.

Harmanpreet Kaur's instinct pays off as Shafali Verma delivers with the ball

When Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus looked set to take control of South Africa's chase, Harmanpreet decided to hand the ball to Shafali — a move that changed the course of the match.

The young opener had already impressed with the bat earlier in the day, scoring 87 runs. That innings help India post 298/7 on the board 

With the ball, she dismissed Luus with a caught-and-bowled effort and then dismissed Marizanne Kapp in her next over.

Explaining her decision in the post-match interview, Harmanpreet said she trusted her gut feel on the youngster.

"When Laura and Sune were batting, they looked really good. I saw Shafali standing there, and the way she batted earlier – I just knew it was her day. My heart said, 'Give her one over.' I went with my gut," she said.

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Harmanpreet added that Shafali's confidence made it easier to take that call. "She is fearless, positive, and always ready to step up for the team," she added.

The skipper praised her team's belief and composure, highlighting how India bounced back from a tough start to the tournament.

"Even after those three losses, we always had that belief. This team truly deserves to be here," she said.

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India's title win was powered by Shafali's 87, Deepti Sharma's all-round brilliance (58 and four wickets), and a united team effort that sealed their first-ever Women's ICC trophy.

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