In a landmark moment for the sport, India has been crowned champion of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, securing its first-ever title with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa. The decisive win unfolded before a capacity crowd in Navi Mumbai, culminating a tournament journey that saw the host nation lift the trophy on home soil.
The foundation of India’s triumph was built on a total of 298 for 7, a score that proved too formidable for South Africa, who were bowled out for 246. The match featured standout performances that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor.
Shafali Verma, a late addition to the squad, emerged as an unexpected hero. Promoted in the order due to a teammate’s injury, she delivered a career-best 87 runs from 78 deliveries. Her contribution extended beyond the bat, as she also claimed two crucial wickets with her seldom-used bowling, a tactical move that surprised many.
Deepti Sharma played a pivotal all-round role, scoring 58 runs before producing a match-clinching spell with the ball. Her precise yorker to dismiss Annerie Dercksen and the subsequent key wicket of South Africa’s centurion, Laura Wolvaardt, effectively sealed the contest. Wolvaardt’s magnificent 100, following her semi-final heroics, was in vain as she finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer.
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, praised her team’s resilience and the overwhelming support from the fans. “This team always believed we could achieve something special, and to do it here, in front of this incredible crowd, is a dream realized,” she said in post-match remarks.
For South Africa, the result marks another agonizing near-miss in a global final, adding to recent disappointments. The team will rue missed opportunities in the field, including a dropped catch that reprieved Verma early in her innings.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across the host nation, marking a watershed achievement for women’s cricket in India and crowning a new champion in the world game.