Star opener reflects on struggles and hard work after Team India’s historic World Cup victory, says…

Picked as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, the 21-year-old Shafali was named player of the final for her 87 runs with the bat and 2/36 with the ball in the team’s 52-run win against South Africa.

“The last one year was very tough for me. I faced a lot of struggles, but I kept working extremely hard and was rewarded by God for my effort,” Shafali told reporters after a felicitation programme here.

Shafali was called in to the Indian squad on the eve of the semifinal against mighty Australia and while she could not fire in the last four clash, the Haryana girl shone in the title clash.

“When I joined the Indian team ahead of the semifinal, I was determined to contribute to the World Cup victory. The final is always a big stage. Initially, I was a bit nervous, but I calmed myself, focused on my strategy, and executed it well. That helped me deliver an all-round performance,” Shafali said.

Meanwhile, Haryana minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, who was present when Shafali reached Rohtak and later felicitated her, said she had made the country and the state proud.

( With PTI Inputs )