It was one of the most unforgettable nights in cricketing history as the Indian women’s cricket team raised their maiden Women’s World Cup title after a thrilling 52-run victory over South Africa in Navi Mumbai. Under immense pressure, the host team maintained their composure in front of a jubilant crowd of 45,000 at the DY Patil Stadium, securing a victory that will forever mark India’s history as a defining moment for women’s cricket.
The final was delayed by rain for two hours. However, no overs were lost. India batted first, setting a challenging total of 298-7, with an impressive performance by Shafali Verma, who smashed 87 off 78 balls, her innings providing a stable foundation for the team. Deepti continued her dream run in the tournament with a composed 58 and later became the match-winner with the ball, picking up a magnificent five wickets to seal India’s victory.
The victory was sweet, given India’s rocky start to the tournament, where they lost three consecutive group stage matches before making an extraordinary comeback.
South Africa seemed threatening for a majority of the game, chasing a record target of 299. Captain Laura Wolvaardt revealed her hand once again, scoring 101 from 98 balls. The century gave South Africa a sense of hope, especially following their spectacular semi-final against England. However, her dismissal in the 42nd over, caught brilliantly by Amanjot Kaur at deep midwicket off Deepti’s bowling, turned the tide in India’s favour. The Proteas were bowled out for 246, their third successive defeat in a global final.
The match lacked nothing, given its spectacle and moments of brilliance. Verma, who was draughted into the team at the semi-final stage after an injury took out Pratik Rawal, took 2-36 with a ball in addition to her electrifying innings, proving her spirit as a match-winner. Her attack alongside Smriti Mandhana set the tone early as India raced to 64 without loss.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled for rhythm, delivering too many loose balls and allowing the Indian openers to dictate terms. Despite some sharp fielding, the Proteas’ nerves showed as they dropped as many as five catches, including two crucial ones off Verma and Deepti. Verma’s dismissal for 87 might have denied her a hundred, but her contribution had already swung the match in India’s favour.
India continued building useful partnerships with the progression of innings. Mandhana fell for 36 as semi-final hero Jemimah Rodrigues added a steady 24. Deepti anchored the middle overs, ensuring that India didn’t lose momentum, while Richa Ghosh provided the finishing touch with a fiery 34 off 24 balls. Despite India having managed merely 69 runs in the final 10 overs, their total of 298 proved sufficient.
When it came time to defend, India’s bowlers excelled. Shree Charani trapped Anneke Bosch lbw for a duck, while Verma’s spell of disciplined bowling removed both Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in quick succession. India’s grip on the match tightened with every wicket, triggering celebrations among the raucous crowd.
But it was Deepti Sharma who delivered the final blow, prompting the eruption of pure euphoria across the country as India made history. Her 5-39 solidified her place as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and a fierce member of India’s team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of 510 million Indian rupees for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team, in addition to the $4.5 million prize money from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The win marks the first time a non-Western nation has won the Women’s World Cup, with only Australia, England, and New Zealand having lifted the trophy until now. India’s victory is therefore not just a sporting achievement but a win that could transform women’s cricket in the subcontinent.
