MUMBAI: Team India created history on Sunday by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, claiming their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title in a thrilling showdown.
Batting first, India posted a commanding total of 298 runs, thanks to superb performances from Shafali Verma (87 off 78) and Deepti Sharma (58 off 58). The opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali gave India a flying start, putting up a 104-run partnership that set the tone for the innings.
Mandhana’s well-made 45 came off 58 balls before she was dismissed by Chloe Tryon. Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20) made useful contributions, while Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 34 off 24 helped India cross 290 before being bowled out on the final ball.
🔥 South Africa’s Chase Falters
Chasing 299, South Africa started steadily as Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits added 51 runs for the opening stand. However, a run-out of Brits for 23 turned the momentum in India’s favor. Soon after, Anneke Bosch fell for a duck, leaving the Proteas struggling early.
Despite Wolvaardt’s brilliant 101 off 98 balls, South Africa’s middle order collapsed under pressure. Deepti Sharma was the star with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for just 39 runs, while Shafali Verma picked up two key scalps.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, giving India a 52-run victory and their first-ever Women’s World Cup title.
🏆 Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma
For her all-round brilliance, Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match, while Shafali Verma was honored as Player of the Tournament for her consistent top-order performances throughout the World Cup.
This victory marks a new era in Indian women’s cricket, ending years of near-misses and heartbreaks.
💬 Harmanpreet Kaur said after the win, “This is not just our victory — it’s the victory of every girl who dreams of wearing the Indian jersey.”
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