Picked as a late replacement for injured Pratika Rawal, India opener Shafali Verma said her last-minute inclusion in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup squad served as motivation to give her all for the team as they went on to claim their maiden title.

“When I joined the team ahead of the semi-final, I was determined to contribute to the World Cup win,” Shafali told reporters during a felicitation ceremony in her hometown Rohtak.

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“The final is always a big stage. Initially, I was a bit nervous, but I calmed myself, focused on my strategy, and executed it well. That helped me deliver an all-round performance.”

The 21-year-old, who joined the side just before the semi-final against Australia, made a dream impact in the title clash, producing a match-winning performance in In

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