Explosive India opener Shafali Verma has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for November 2025 after starring in India’s maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title triumph. Her standout performance came in the final held at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai against South Africa Women, where she played a match winning all round role.
Pressed into service as an injury replacement in the squad, Shafali made the most of her opportunity with an authoritative 87 run knock. The highly talented player supplemented her batting heroics with two vital wickets with the ball, underlining her worth as a genuine all rounder. Her stellar display won her the Player of the Match award in the tournament final, and her influence has now rightly placed her among the top three candidates for this prestigious monthly ICC honor.
Two more standout performers from the inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, held in Bangkok, have also been shortlisted, along with Shafali. The tournament provided a stage for emerging women cricketers from emerging cricket nations to display their talent. Two nominees from that tournament are UAE captain Esha Oza and Thailand’s left-arm orthodox spinner Thipatcha Putthawong.
Esha Oza was a force to reckon with throughout the competition. As a right handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler, she led the UAE side with maturity and flair. Oza scored 187 runs in seven T20 internationals at an impressive strike rate of 137.50, demonstrating how she can accelerate the innings under pressure. Complementing her batting, she took seven wickets, proving her all-round credentials. Her tournament performances included significant scores of 68, 48*, and notable bowling spells such as 2/36 and 3/12. Against Namibia, she was particularly impactful, scoring 68 runs and taking 2 wickets for 36 runs. Oza’s leadership and constant match winning contributions were recognized as she is one of the nominees for the Player of the Tournament award (November).
Thipatcha Putthawong of Thailand marked her presence as a left handed batter and left arm orthodox spinner as she powered her team with outstanding bowling skills. She finished as the joint highest wicket taker in the Emerging Nations Trophy, taking 15 wickets. The most important contribution of Thipatcha came in the match against Scotland, where she provided a significant four wicket haul of 4/17 and played a crucial role in winning the title for Thailand. Her ability to rise to the occasion in key moments sets her apart as one of the top performers in the tournament. Other important bowling figures included 5/6 against Uganda women and several economical spells throughout the tournament, such as 2/5 and 2/12.
With such standout performances, Shafali Verma, Esha Oza, and Thipatcha Putthawong represent a blend of established talent and emerging stars in women’s cricket, making the shortlist highly competitive. The ICC Player of the Month for November will be decided by an independent Voting Academy along with fan votes, which are open on the ICC’s official website. Fans from all over the world are invited to support these phenomenal players who have delivered unforgettable moments on the international stage this season.
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