NAVI MUMBAI: Team India scripted history as they clinched their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Sunday.
Star all-rounders Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were the architects of India’s victory — Shafali shone with the bat, while Deepti dominated with the ball to seal a dream finish for the Women in Blue.
India set strong total after rain delay
After a two-hour rain interruption, South Africa opted to bowl first, but the decision backfired as India’s openers came out firing.
Shafali Verma (87 off 78) and Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58) set the tone with a 104-run opening stand, punishing every loose delivery on a lightning-fast outfield.
Despite Mandhana’s dismissal by Chloe Tryon, Verma continued her assault, reaching her half-century in just 49 balls. Alongside Jemimah Rodrigues (24), she powered India to 166 in under 28 overs before falling just short of a century.
Deepti Sharma then anchored the innings with a fluent 58 off 59 balls, while Richa Ghosh chipped in with a quickfire 34 from 24, guiding India to a formidable 298/7 in 50 overs.
For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 58 runs.
Deepti Sharma’s five-for seals the deal
Chasing 299, South Africa began positively with Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt putting on a 50-run stand. But Amanjot Kaur’s sharp direct hit sent Brits (23) back, and Anneke Bosch’s duck soon tilted the momentum India’s way.
Skipper Wolvaardt fought valiantly with a superb 101 off 98 balls (11 fours, 1 six), but lacked support from the other end. Deepti Sharma dismantled South Africa’s middle order, claiming 5 wickets for just 34 runs in 9.3 overs, including key dismissals of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.
Shafali Verma also chipped in with two crucial wickets, ensuring India kept the pressure on. South Africa eventually folded for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India a historic 52-run victory.
A new dawn for Indian women’s cricket
With this triumph, India lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, marking a monumental moment for the nation’s women’s cricket movement.
Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance, while Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul cemented her as the bowling hero of the final.
