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Mithali Raj Hails Shafali Verma’s Performance in WPL Clash Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In the fast-paced world of women’s cricket, standout performances not only inspire the team but also leave a lasting impact on the game’s development. One such performance came from the explosive Shafali Verma during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025. Verma’s scintillating innings was one for the ages, and it did not go unnoticed. Among the many who praised her performance was the iconic Mithali Raj, who lauded Verma for her maturity, skill, and ability to dominate the game with her fearless batting.
Shafali Verma: A Rising Star
Shafali Verma’s journey in international cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. Having made her debut at a young age, she quickly became one of the most exciting talents in women’s cricket. Verma’s aggressive style of batting, combined with her fearlessness, makes her a dangerous player at the top of the order. While her batting approach has often drawn comparisons to the likes of Virender Sehwag for its aggressive strokeplay, what sets Verma apart is her composure under pressure and her ability to adapt to different conditions.
In the 2025 edition of the WPL, Verma had already been one of the standout performers for Delhi Capitals, setting the tone in the powerplay with her attacking batting. Her success in the tournament was crucial for the Capitals, as they sought to establish themselves as one of the strongest teams in the competition. But in this particular clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Verma’s performance went to another level, and it captured the attention of many cricketing legends, including Mithali Raj.
The WPL Clash: A Pivotal Moment for Delhi Capitals
The match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a crucial one in the 2025 WPL, with both teams vying for important points in the race for the playoffs. For Delhi, a strong performance from their top order was essential to set a competitive total. That’s where Verma’s role became pivotal. Delhi Capitals had already lost a few early wickets, putting the pressure on the middle order to deliver. But Verma stood strong, playing a knock that would later be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season.
As the match unfolded, Verma took center stage with her dazzling stroke play. Opening the innings, she knew the task ahead was challenging. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru team boasted a formidable bowling attack, with Sophie Devine and Shreyanka Patil leading the charge. Yet, Verma’s fearless attitude and aggressive approach meant that she wasn’t afraid of the challenge ahead. Instead of waiting for the game to come to her, she took it to the bowlers, playing shots all around the ground. The powerplay overs were a masterclass in attacking cricket, and Verma’s blistering boundaries sent a clear message to the opposition: she was in no mood to be contained.
Verma’s innings was a mixture of aggressive cuts, powerful drives, and delicate flicks. She demonstrated her wide range of shots against both pace and spin, picking the gaps and running aggressively between the wickets. Her shot selection was impeccable, and her ability to judge the length of the ball and get into position early allowed her to execute strokes with clean timing. Her dominant batting helped take the pressure off the other Delhi batters, ensuring that the innings had a strong foundation.
Mithali Raj’s Praise: A True Test of Character
As the match progressed and Verma’s innings began to take shape, one voice that rang loud in support was that of Mithali Raj, one of the greatest women’s cricketers of all time. Mithali, who has been a trailblazer for women’s cricket in India, has seen the evolution of the game firsthand. Having spent years playing alongside and against some of the best in the world, Mithali’s insights into the game are invaluable.
Speaking about Verma’s performance in the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mithali was full of praise for the young batter’s maturity and composure under pressure. She emphasized how Verma’s ability to handle pressure and rise to the occasion was a testament to her growing mental strength.
“Shafali has always been a promising talent, but what I saw today was a new level of maturity in her game,” Mithali said. “She has a natural flair for attacking cricket, and we’ve seen that in her previous performances as well. But in this match, she showed something even more important — the ability to play with composure, control her aggression, and guide the team to a strong position. That is what sets great players apart.”
Mithali’s words were a reflection of the growing respect for Verma’s game, not just for her natural ability but for her adaptability and cricketing intelligence. In this game, Verma didn’t just play reckless shots, but she controlled the tempo of the innings and made sure that the Delhi Capitals remained in a strong position throughout. Her knock was not just about power; it was about understanding the game and managing the situation with finesse.
Verma’s Innings: A Game-Changer
Verma’s knock in the WPL clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a game-changer. After losing early wickets, Delhi’s chances of posting a competitive total were beginning to look slim. But Verma’s entry into the middle overs gave the team the lift it needed. Her innings was a blend of calculated aggression and smart cricket, as she adjusted her approach depending on the situation.
When the Capitals needed quick runs, Verma took it upon herself to accelerate, hitting boundaries with ease. She didn’t let the bowlers settle and always made sure to disrupt their rhythm. Her ability to clear the ropes, combined with her ability to rotate strike effectively, meant that Delhi Capitals could maintain a healthy run rate throughout their innings.
One of the key moments of the innings came when Verma brought up her fifty with a boundary, signaling her intent to not just play a match-saving knock but to play a match-winning one. Her ability to strike both pacers and spinners with equal authority made her innings an all-around display of batting excellence.
By the time she was dismissed, having scored a vital 63 runs off 42 balls, Verma had done her job. She had given the Capitals the platform they needed, and the middle order capitalized on her start to take the team to a competitive total. The momentum she had built up, combined with her consistent strike rotation and attacking shots, set the stage for a solid finish to the innings.
The Aftermath: A Step Toward Playoffs
Thanks to Verma’s explosive knock and the contributions from the other Delhi batters, the Capitals posted a challenging total that would prove difficult for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to chase down. While the Capitals had their work cut out with the ball, the foundation that Verma laid was key to their eventual victory.
Following the win, Mithali Raj took to social media to once again praise Verma’s performance. She highlighted how Verma’s knock demonstrated the evolution of her game and her ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Mithali’s message of encouragement resonated deeply with Verma, who had already established herself as one of the brightest stars of women’s cricket.
As Delhi Capitals secured their crucial points, securing their position in the WPL playoffs, it was clear that Shafali Verma’s performance had been a defining moment in the tournament. Mithali’s acknowledgment was a recognition of the fact that Verma, despite being one of the youngest players in the competition, had matured into a match-winner for her team.
Conclusion: A Rising Star in Women’s Cricket
Shafali Verma’s performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a defining moment in the 2025 WPL, showcasing her ability to take charge of a game with her fearless, attacking batting. Her performance was a testament to her maturity as a player and her growth as a cricketer who can adapt to different conditions and situations. The praise from Mithali Raj served as a reminder that Verma is not just a player with raw talent, but someone who has the potential to shape the future of women’s cricket.
With more performances like these, Verma is well on her way to becoming one of the most dominant players in women’s cricket, and with mentors like Mithali Raj offering their support, her journey is bound to inspire countless others in the years to come. As the Delhi Capitals head into the playoffs, they will look to Shafali Verma to lead the charge, knowing that her form can make all the difference in the pursuit of the title.
