India, Nov. 2 -- Shafali Verma lit up the Women's ODI World Cup final with a fearless 87 off 78, then fell in the 28th over. This happened just minutes after R Ashwin had tweeted tipping for 'a big hundred' from the batter. The coincidence set social media buzzing, but it couldn't dim the quality of an innings that had put India in a commanding position against South Africa.

The 21-year-old opener was drafted into the squad during the knockouts. Even though she failed to perform in the semi-final, Shafali Verma looked crisp from ball one in the big game. She looked primed to convert when Ayabonga Khaka teased a lofted miscue, Sune Luus accepted the chance at mid-off, and a sparkling knock ended on 87.

As Shafali neared three figures, As...