Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 5: India’s star batter Shafali Verma, who delivered a stunning all-round performance in the Women’s World Cup Final to guide India to their maiden world title, has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for November.
Shafali is joined by two standout performers from the inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy — Esha Oza of the UAE and Thipatcha Putthawong of Thailand — completing a strong trio of contenders for the monthly honour.
A surprise last-minute inclusion in India’s World Cup squad, Shafali rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. In her lone ODI appearance of the month, the final, she hammered 87 off 78 balls at a strike rate of 111.53, setting the tone at the top and propelling India toward their historic title win.
Her impact didn’t stop with the bat. Shafali also produced a crucial spell with the ball, removing key South African batters Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, finishing with 2/36 in seven overs. Her dual heroics played a decisive role in breaking partnerships and keeping the pressure on the opposition.
Thailand’s young spinner Thipatcha Putthawong enjoyed an extraordinary November, emerging as the joint highest wicket-taker in the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy with 15 wickets. Her ability to outfox batters was on full display in the final, where she claimed four wickets against Scotland while maintaining an economy of 4.25, playing a pivotal role in Thailand’s title triumph.
UAE all-rounder Esha Oza showcased her all-round match-winning ability during the same tournament. Across seven T20Is, she scored 187 runs at a strike rate of 137.50 and added seven wickets at an average of 18.14. Her standout moment came in the final match against Namibia, where she smashed an unbeaten 68 and picked up two wickets, powering the UAE to a commanding 28-run victory.
All three nominees have delivered performances of exceptional impact, setting the stage for a closely contested race for the ICC’s monthly honour.