Sweets, drums & crackers: Rohtak celebrates Shafali Verma's stellar performance in Women's World Cup final

Jubilant celebrations broke out in Rohtak, the hometown of Indian cricketer Shafali Verma, the star performer in the Women’s World Cup final, after India clinched the trophy by defeating South Africa in Navi Mumbai late on Sunday night.

Despite the midnight hour, people thronged Shafali’s residence in the Ghanipura locality to congratulate her family and join in the festivities. Locals distributed sweets, danced to the beat of drums, and set off crackers as celebrations continued into the early hours of Monday.

The Verma family and relatives are now eagerly waiting for Shafali’s return home to accord her a grand welcome. They were confident that Shafali and the Indian team would deliver something special in the final, hence had already arranged crackers in anticipation of the win, and when India lifted the trophy, they burst them with pride.

Shafali’s father Sanjeev Verma, who runs a jewellery shop, said the entire family was overjoyed by her stunning performance. “She promised to give her 100 per cent for the team and she did. We are so proud of her. Shafali not only scored a brilliant 87 runs, but also took two crucial wickets, sealing India’s victory,” he added proudly.

Recalling the tense moments before the final, Verma shared, “Shafali was originally not part of the World Cup squad and got in as a replacement for another opener, Pratika Rawal. She was a bit nervous since she couldn’t perform well in the semifinal, so I motivated her by reminding her of her past achievements like her double century in Test cricket, her record-breaking season in the Women’s Premier League, and her crucial knocks in previous international matches.”

Shafali’s mother, Parveen Bala, said the win had turned their home and city into a festive hub. “It feels like another Diwali in our house, our locality and the city. Everyone is celebrating. We are now waiting for her to come home so we can give her a warm welcome. Shafali has once again proved that girls are in no way less than boys. I congratulate all parents who support their daughters to chase their dreams,” she said.

Her younger sister Nancy added that the family had full faith in Shafali and the team. “We watched the live telecast at the cricket academy, and we were so excited throughout the match. We always knew she would play a big role in the final,” she said with pride.