Navi Mumbai: The decades-long wait for India’s first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title culminated in an overwhelming display of emotion as captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana broke down in tears following their historic triumph over South Africa.
The final wicket that sealed the 52-run victory came right at the stroke of midnight at the DY Patil Stadium. It was a fitting finale moment, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur jogging backwards at extra cover to safely pouch the catch that dismissed South African big-hitter Nadine de Klerk, concluding the match and etching India’s name in cricket history.
In the immediate aftermath, the cameras captured the heart-stopping moment that encapsulated years of struggle, near-misses, and ultimate glory: a tearful Harmanpreet embracing her deputy Smriti Mandhana. Both players, the pillars of the team’s batting lineup and its emotional core, were overcome by the magnitude of the achievement. The shared tears spoke volumes of the sacrifices and the weight of a billion expectations finally lifted.
For Harmanpreet, the victory was particularly poignant, having been part of the squad that suffered a heartbreaking loss in the 2017 final. This win, secured in front of a massive home crowd, was the ultimate redemption and the realization of a dream she had carried for over eight years.
The title, achieved by defeating South Africa in the final after posting 298/7, is not just a sporting success but a deeply significant social moment. As commentators noted, this team, led by its ‘firebrand skipper,’ has instantly transformed into a beacon of hope, inspiring every young girl in India to pick up a bat or ball, knowing the sky is now the limit.
