NAVI MUMBAI – The Indian women’s cricket team scripted history on Sunday, ending a decades-long wait to capture their first-ever World Cup title with a resounding 52-run victory over South Africa in the final held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
India’s Innings: Explosive Start, Strong Finish Put in to bat, India posted a formidable total of 298 for 7. The innings was anchored by a spectacular start from opener Shafali Verma, who smashed an explosive 87 off 78 balls, establishing a crucial 104-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana (45).
Despite a brief slump in the middle overs when captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20) and Jemimah Rodrigues (24) failed to convert their starts, the lower order showed resilience:
- Deepti Sharma struck a vital run-a-ball 58, her third fifty of the tournament.
- Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided late momentum with a quickfire 34 off 24 balls, contributing to a match-defining 47-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Deepti Sharma’s All-Round Heroics: Chasing 299, South Africa was anchored by a valiant century from captain Laura Wolvaardt (101). However, India’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure, led by an exceptional all-round display from Deepti Sharma. After her crucial fifty, Deepti delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 5 wickets for 39 runs and effectively dismantling South Africa’s middle and lower order. The Proteas were eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India the coveted trophy.