Navi Mumbai: At the stroke of the midnight hour, India’s long wait for an elusive World Cup crown finally ended. The Women in Blue clinched their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in a historic and emotional victory, outclassing South Africa by 52 runs in a gripping final at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday night.
In front of a roaring home crowd of 45,000, the Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, delivered a comprehensive performance to secure the game-changing triumph for women’s cricket in the country.
Asked to bat first after a rain-delayed start, India posted a challenging total of 298 for six. The foundation was laid by a blistering 87 (78b) from opener Shafali Verma, who was recalled for the knockouts after an injury and went on to record the highest-ever individual score by an Indian opener in any World Cup final. Her 104-run opening stand with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (45) set a formidable platform.
The innings received crucial late impetus from the Player of the Series, Deepti Sharma, who struck a composed 58 (58b), alongside a power-packed 34 off 24 balls from Richa Ghosh.
Chasing 299, South Africa showed grit, largely propelled by a magnificent century (101 off 98 balls) from their captain Laura Wolvaardt. However, the Proteas crumbled under relentless pressure from the Indian bowling attack and the weight of the chase.
The turning point arrived courtesy of the all-round hero, Deepti Sharma, who shone with the ball, registering a stunning five-for (5 for 39 in 9.3 overs). The game was effectively sealed when Deepti removed Wolvaardt in the 42nd over, triggering a South African collapse. Earlier, Shafali Verma contributed with two vital strikes, breaking the initial momentum. The fairytale conclusion saw captain Harmanpreet Kaur take the final catch off Deepti’s bowling, sending the stadium and a billion fans into raptures as India secured their biggest-ever victory in women’s cricket.
