Navi Mumbai, India: India etched its name in history by winning the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final on Sunday. The victory was powered by all-round brilliance from Deepti Sharma and a sensational knock from Shafali Verma.
Verma, who joined the squad as an injury replacement just before the final, scored a career-best 87 off 78 balls, helping India post an imposing 298/7 after being sent in to bat. In reply, South Africa managed 246 runs in 45.3 overs, with captain Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant century (101 off 98 balls) going in vain.
Sharma, who turned the match with her skill and composure, claimed five wickets for 39 runs in 9.3 overs, including the final dismissal that sealed India’s historic win.
“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” said an emotional India captain Harmanpreet Kaur. “We came close twice before, but this time, we were determined. We want to make winning a habit now.”
India’s journey to the title was nothing short of remarkable. After being the last team to qualify for the semifinals, they stunned defending champions Australia by five wickets before taking down South Africa to lift their maiden trophy.
This win also marked India’s first major women’s cricket title and made them the first new champion since New Zealand’s 2000 triumph, breaking the long-standing dominance of Australia and England.
Shafali Verma: Player of the Match
The young opener was named Player of the Match for her match-winning performance with both bat and ball. She also chipped in with 2 wickets for 36 runs in her spell. “I just wanted to play freely and make runs. God gave me this opportunity, and I’m glad I could make it count,” said Verma, 21.
Deepti Sharma: Player of the Tournament
Sharma capped off an incredible tournament by scoring 58 runs in the final—her third half-century of the campaign—and taking a five-wicket haul. With 22 wickets and 215 runs in nine matches, she was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. “I enjoyed contributing in every way I could. This win is for my parents,” she said.
Wolvaardt’s Lone Battle
Despite the defeat, South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt shone brightly with her second consecutive century, amassing 571 runs in the tournament at an average of 71.37. Her elegant 101 kept her side’s hopes alive before Sharma ended her resistance.
How the Final Unfolded
Chasing a daunting 299, South Africa began cautiously against Renuka Singh’s disciplined bowling. Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits (23) added 51 for the opening wicket before a sharp throw from Amanjot Kaur broke the stand. Shafali Verma’s introduction into the attack proved decisive as she struck twice in one over to leave South Africa reeling at 123-4.
Wolvaardt continued to fight, stitching small partnerships with Luus, Jafta, and Dercksen, but India’s bowlers maintained their grip. Sharma’s precision with the ball and Harmanpreet’s sharp field placements eventually crushed the Proteas’ resistance.
India’s Batting Brilliance
Earlier, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India a dream start with a 104-run opening partnership. Mandhana’s elegant 45 laid the foundation before Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and Verma added another 62 runs for the third wicket.
After a brief middle-order wobble, Harmanpreet (20) and Sharma (58) ensured a strong finish. Richa Ghosh (25*) provided late fireworks, taking India close to the 300-mark—a total that proved unassailable for the South Africans.
With this triumph, India’s women’s cricket team has inspired a new generation of players and fans. It’s not just a win—it’s the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket.
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