Indian cricket sensation Shafali Verma has been honoured with the prestigious ICC Women's Player of the Month award for November 2025. This recognition comes on the heels of her spectacular, match-defining performance in the final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup held in Navi Mumbai last month.
A Final to Remember: Shafali's Record-Breaking Knock
The 21-year-old opening batter played a pivotal role in India's historic maiden World Cup triumph on home soil. Stepping into the playing eleven as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal during the semi-final, Shafali seized her opportunity with both hands. In the high-pressure final against South Africa, she delivered a blistering innings of 87 runs from just 78 balls.
This knock was not just crucial for the team's total but also etched her name in the record books. It stands as the highest individual score by an Indian opener in a Women's World Cup final. Her aggressive batting at the top, alongside fellow opener Smriti Mandhana, laid a formidable foundation. The duo stitched together a commanding 104-run partnership, setting the stage for India to post a mammoth 298 for 7 in their 50 overs.
The Indian bowlers then successfully defended the total, securing a 52-run victory and sparking nationwide celebrations as the team lifted the coveted trophy for the first time.
Overcoming Competition for the Accolade
Shafali Verma faced stiff competition for the November award. She triumphed over Thailand's talented bowler Thipatcha Putthawong and the UAE's prolific all-rounder Esha Oza to claim her first-ever ICC Player of the Month award.
Expressing her joy and gratitude, Shafali stated in an official ICC release, "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." She highlighted the significance of contributing to the team's success and being part of a historic win in front of a home crowd.
"I'm truly honoured to be named the Women's Player of the Month for November," she added. "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."
Simon Harmer Bags the Men's Award
In the men's category, the award for November was claimed by South Africa's veteran off-spinner, Simon Harmer. His inspired bowling performance was instrumental in the Proteas' 2-0 Test series victory over India – their first Test series win in India in 25 years.
The 36-year-old dominated the Indian batters, finishing the two-match series with a remarkable combined haul of 17 wickets. He maintained an outstanding average of 8.94 and an economy rate of 1.91. Harmer beat Bangladesh's Taijul Islam and Pakistan's Mohammad Nawaz to secure his maiden Player of the Month award.
Harmer dedicated his award to his team and family, saying, "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."
The dual awards for November celebrate exceptional individual performances that led to landmark team achievements in international cricket.
