Shafali Verma Spins Magic With A Hat-trick For Haryana In U23 One-Day Trophy

Shafali Verma, the power-hitting sensation of Indian cricket, has once again proven that she is more than just a batter. The young dynamo, who is often in the headlines for her explosive stroke play, stunned everyone by achieving a hat-trick in the Women’s U23 One-Day Trophy. This remarkable feat came just days after her heartbreak in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 final, where she emerged as one of the top scorers but fell short of lifting the trophy with Delhi Capitals.

While her batting has always been her calling card, this bowling milestone is a reminder of her adaptability and hunger to evolve. It is also an inspiring tale of how a player can bounce back from setbacks and shine in unexpected ways.

A Rollercoaster Year for Shafali Verma

The past year has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for Shafali. It has been a mix of spectacular highs and heartbreaking lows, showcasing both her strengths and vulnerabilities as a cricketer.

The World Cup Disappointment

Her struggles began with the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, where India crashed out in the group stage. The team’s underwhelming performance raised questions, and Shafali’s own form came under scrutiny. She managed to score just 97 runs in four matches, a stark contrast to her usual aggressive approach. With India failing to make it past the initial rounds, it was a bitter pill to swallow for the young star.

A Blockbuster WPL 2025 Campaign

However, Shafali’s response to adversity was nothing short of extraordinary. When the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 began, she silenced her critics in style. Playing for the Delhi Capitals, she amassed 304 runs in the season, finishing as one of the leading scorers. More impressively, she did it at a scorching strike rate of 153—a testament to her natural aggressive instincts.

Among her standout stats:
16 sixes, the second-most in the tournament.
A fearless approach that kept Delhi in the hunt in multiple games.
The ability to score quickfire runs in the powerplay, setting the tone for her team.

Despite her personal brilliance, the Delhi Capitals endured a heartbreak, losing their third consecutive WPL final to Mumbai Indians on March 15. This defeat was particularly crushing because Shafali and her teammates had come agonizingly close to glory yet again.

Yet, instead of dwelling on the loss, Shafali did something remarkable—she turned her focus to the Women’s U23 One-Day Trophy, where she was leading Haryana.

Hat-Trick Magic in Guwahati: Shafali Stuns Karnataka

Barely two days after the WPL final, Shafali was back on the field, this time as captain of Haryana in the Women’s U23 One-Day Trophy pre-quarterfinal against Karnataka.

Adding an interesting twist to the encounter was the fact that Karnataka’s captain, Niki Prasad, had been Shafali’s teammate in the WPL final. Facing off against a familiar opponent added an intriguing subplot to the match.

Karnataka’s Strong Start

Batting first, Karnataka seemed to be in control. By the 44th over, they had reached 188-4, with Mithila Vinod playing a crucial knock of 90 off 87 balls. At this point, Haryana needed a game-changing moment, and Shafali decided to bring herself into the attack.

Though she is primarily known as a batter, Shafali has previously shown glimpses of bowling prowess, picking up 12 wickets in international cricket with her off-breaks. But no one expected what was about to happen next.

The Hat-Trick Moment

In a sensational display of bowling, Shafali turned the game around in the 44th over.

🔥 First wicket: She dismissed Saloni P, trapping her LBW.
🔥 Second wicket: Off the very next ball, she sent Soumya Verma back to the pavilion.
🔥 Third wicket: After waiting an over to bowl again, she clean-bowled Namita D’Souza on the first ball of the 46th over, completing a stunning hat-trick!

Shafali’s final figures read 3-20 in four overs, and her efforts restricted Karnataka to 217 runs.

Her hat-trick was significant for multiple reasons:
It was the fourth hat-trick by an Indian female cricketer in the 2024-25 season.
It was her first-ever hat-trick in 50-over cricket.
It reinforced her ability to be more than just an explosive batter.

Team Effort Secures Victory for Haryana

Though Shafali’s hat-trick shifted the momentum, Karnataka still managed to post a competitive total of 217, thanks to Mithila Vinod’s 90-run masterclass.

Haryana’s Chase: Early Stumbles and Match-Winning Partnership

Chasing 218 for victory, Haryana’s innings began with Shafali leading from the front. She opened the batting and started in typical fashion, hitting four boundaries in quick succession. However, she was dismissed for 18 off just 12 balls, leaving her side at 71-3 and under pressure.

This is when Sonia Mendhiya (66 off 79 balls) and Tanisha Ohlan (77 not out off 77 balls) stepped up. Their match-winning 92-run partnership turned the game in Haryana’s favor.

Triveni Vasistha’s calm knock of 25 off 37 balls* further ensured that Haryana comfortably chased down the target with six wickets and eight overs to spare.

Haryana’s final score: 218-4 in 42 overs.
Victory margin: Six wickets.

What This Performance Means for Shafali’s Career

Shafali’s hat-trick has added a new dimension to her game. While she has long been celebrated for her fearless batting, this performance showcases her versatility and proves she is a multi-dimensional cricketer.

Why This Hat-Trick is Important:

Reinvention Amid Challenges – After struggling on the international stage, Shafali has found new ways to contribute.
Leadership Under Pressure – As Haryana’s captain, she took responsibility and delivered at a crucial moment.
Bowling Potential – Though not a regular bowler, her off-spin can be a weapon in key situations.
Testament to Resilience – She bounced back from WPL heartbreak and World Cup criticism in the best possible way.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Shafali Verma?

With this incredible all-round performance, Shafali Verma has firmly re-established herself as one of the most exciting young cricketers in the country.

🚀 IPL 2025 & Beyond: Can she continue her all-round performances in future WPL seasons?
🌍 National Team Comeback: Will this form help her cement a permanent spot in India’s ODI and T20 teams?
🏆 Leadership Potential: Is this the start of a leadership role in Indian women’s cricket?

While the future holds many possibilities, one thing is certain—Shafali Verma is here to stay. Her hat-trick in the U23 Women’s One-Day Trophy is just another chapter in her journey of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition.

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