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“What an unbelievable story arc” – Fans erupt as Shafali Verma plays stunning 87-run knock in IND vs SA Women’s World Cup 2025 final

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Team India opener Shafali Verma played a wonderful knock in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final against South Africa on Sunday, November 2. South Africa won the toss and chose to field first at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Shafali helped India get off to a brilliant start with an impressive performance at the crease. The 21-year-old missed out on a well-deserved century, losing her wicket after scoring 87 runs off 78 balls at an impressive strike rate of 111.54. The swashbuckling batter struck two sixes and seven fours during her stay, becoming the youngest player to hit a half-century in an ODI World Cup final.

Interestingly, Shafali was initially omitted from India’s World Cup 2025 squad. However, she was drafted into the side ahead of the semifinal as an injury replacement for Pratika Rawal. The youngster made the most of her opportunity, delivering an exceptional performance in the all-important final and earning praise from all quarters for her batting exploits.

Opening alongside Smriti Mandhana, Shafali stitched together a fantastic 104-run partnership from 106 deliveries. After Mandhana departed following a 45-run knock off 58 balls, Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues added 62 runs from as many balls for the second wicket, further solidifying India’s innings.

Shafali Verma’s impactful knock came to an end in the 28th over when Ayabonga Khaka provided South Africa with a massive breakthrough by dismissing the well-set opener. On the fifth ball of the over, Shafali attempted to play a big shot over mid-off but failed to get enough distance and was caught by Sune Luus.

The crowd at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy gave Shafali a standing ovation for her brilliant batting display. It is worth noting that she had some luck on her side during the final, receiving a big reprieve in the 21st over when Anneke Bosch dropped her catch at deep midwicket.

At the time of writing, India are 195/3 after 34 overs, with Harmanpreet Kaur (12* off 17) and Deepti Sharma (15* off 15) at the crease, looking to build on the solid foundation set by their openers.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-what-unbelievable-story-arc-fans-erupt-shafali-verma-plays-stunning-87-run-knock-ind-vs-sa-women-s-world-cup-2025-final

racing, sports

McLaren driver Lando Norris branded an “Idiot” by Isack Hadjar

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**Isack Hadjar Slams Lando Norris During FP3 at 2025 Mexican GP**

Visa Cash App Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar expressed his frustration with McLaren’s Lando Norris during the FP3 session at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Norris failed to yield space to Hadjar during a crucial hotlap.

Coming into the Mexican GP, Hadjar had endured a challenging run, failing to score points in the previous two races in the United States and Singapore. With the 2025 season winding down, the French-Algerian driver is eager to impress, especially as he is in contention for a promotion to the senior Red Bull team in 2026. The stakes are high for the young driver, making every session crucial.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez hosted the fifth-to-last race of the season. During the final practice session, approximately 20 minutes in, Hadjar launched a qualifying simulation on a fresh set of soft tires. As he approached the first corner in the stadium section—a notoriously slow and tight segment of the track—Hadjar encountered Norris positioned on the apex.

Forced to take a wider line, Hadjar’s hotlap was compromised by the obstruction. Frustrated, Hadjar did not hold back over the team radio, calling Norris “an idiot” for not providing sufficient space. “Mate, the McLaren was just in the middle of the track. Idiot!” he exclaimed.

Norris, meanwhile, was on a preparation lap ahead of starting his own flying lap shortly after Hadjar completed his. The nature of the tight corners in the stadium section makes it particularly difficult for drivers to give way without risking their own lap times. Norris would have had to leave the track’s racing line to yield, potentially ruining the start of his hotlap.

During Friday’s practice, Norris also discussed some of the challenges he faced with the McLaren MCL39. The team had enlisted Pato O’Ward to participate in the FP1 rookie session, with Norris taking over for FP2, where he impressively finished fourth, behind only Max Verstappen who led the timing sheets.

“It’s just holding us back a bit,” Norris commented after FP2. “Not that it was a bad day, but normally we’re very good on a Friday and everyone catches up on a Saturday. We’re already a bit behind, so we definitely have some work to do tonight. Single-lap stuff we are struggling with at the minute. We are working hard, trying everything we can, so we’ll see what we can do and find.”

Despite the earlier struggles, Norris managed to top the FP3 session heading into qualifying, signalling a promising start to the weekend for the McLaren driver.

The incident between Hadjar and Norris adds another layer of tension as the drivers battle for position not only on track but also within their respective teams ahead of one of the most critical stretches of the season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-mclaren-driver-lando-norris-branded-idiot-isack-hadjar