India clinched their maiden Women’s World Cup title with a dominant 52-run victory over South Africa at DY Patil Stadium. Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance and Shafali Verma’s stellar 87 powered India to a historic triumph in Mumbai.
A new chapter was written in Indian cricket history on Sunday night as Harmanpreet Kaur’s spirited Indian team defeated South Africa by 52 runs to claim their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title at the DY Patil Stadium. In a packed stadium roaring with emotion, India’s women delivered a collective performance that mirrored the nation’s passion for the game — a night destined to be remembered for generations.
India’s triumph marks the country’s third World Cup crown in ODI cricket — following the men’s victories in 1983 and 2011 — and their first in women’s cricket, placing them alongside England and Australia as nations to have won both men’s and women’s titles.
Deepti Sharma’s Dream Night — A Fifty and a Five-Wicket Haul
If there was one name that stood tall on this historic night, it was Deepti Sharma. The all-rounder produced a performance for the ages — scoring a composed 58 off 71 balls and following it up with a devastating 5 for 39 that tore through the Proteas’ batting line-up. Her spell was not just about wickets; it was about turning points.
Every time South Africa appeared to stabilize, Deepti found a way to strike. Her control, variation, and calmness under pressure showcased why she has become one of the most dependable all-rounders in the world.
“Winning the World Cup at home, in front of this crowd, is something we’ve dreamt of,” Deepti said after receiving the Player of the Match award.
“This is for every woman who believed Indian cricket could reach this day.”
Shafali Verma’s Explosive 87 Sets the Stage
At just 21 years old, Shafali Verma displayed maturity and aggression in equal measure. Her 87 off 78 balls — studded with seven boundaries and two sixes — gave India a flying start alongside Smriti Mandhana (45).
The duo shared a 100-run opening stand, setting the perfect foundation for a big total. Their chemistry at the top was electric; boundaries came thick and fast, and South Africa’s bowlers were visibly rattled.
Shafali, who had endured a quiet tournament, picked the grandest stage to roar back to form. She was even dropped once on 57 — a costly miss that South Africa would rue as she capitalized with clean hitting before eventually falling to Ayabonga Khaka for 87.
India’s Strong Total and Middle-Order Resilience
After the openers departed, India’s innings steadied with Deepti Sharma anchoring from one end and Richa Ghosh (34) providing the fireworks late on. India posted 298/7 in 50 overs, the second-highest total ever in a Women’s World Cup final.
Amanjot Kaur and Sree Charani’s cameos helped India cross the psychological 290-mark, ensuring momentum stayed intact. Khaka led South Africa’s bowling attack with 3 for 58, while De Klerk, Tryon, and Mlaba chipped in with one wicket each.
Wolvaardt’s Lone Battle in Vain
South Africa’s chase began on a confident note, thanks to captain Laura Wolvaardt’s dazzling 101 off 104 balls. Alongside Tazmin Brits (29), she provided a brisk start, adding 50 runs during the Powerplay. The partnership, however, was broken by a moment of brilliance — Amanjot Kaur’s direct hit running out Brits at the non-striker’s end.
When Sree Charani trapped Anneke Bosch LBW soon after, India regained momentum. Still, Wolvaardt and Sune Luus kept the chase alive, adding another half-century partnership.
But India’s turning point came when Harmanpreet Kaur introduced Shafali Verma into the attack. Verma struck in her very first over, removing Luus, and then dismissed the dangerous Marizanne Kapp shortly after. From that point, South Africa’s chase crumbled.
Deepti Sharma returned to clean up the lower order, dismissing Dercksen and Tryon in quick succession, before sealing the deal by removing De Klerk. South Africa folded for 246 in 45.3 overs, falling 52 runs short.
From Underdogs to Champions
India’s campaign was nothing short of a fairytale. After losing three consecutive group matches, the team barely scraped into the semifinals as the last qualifier. But once there, they produced back-to-back upsets — stunning Australia in the semifinal and then defeating South Africa in the final.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, holding back tears at the presentation, said,
“This victory belongs to every woman who has ever picked up a bat or ball in India. We played with belief, unity, and heart. Today, Indian women’s cricket has arrived.”
A Red-Letter Day for Indian Women’s Cricket
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal hailed the triumph as a “red-letter day for Indian women’s cricket.” Drawing parallels to the men’s 1983 win, Dhumal said,
“What the men achieved in 1983, the women have recreated today in Mumbai. This victory will inspire future generations and transform the landscape of women’s cricket in India.”
Indeed, the scenes in Mumbai mirrored 1983 — fans dancing in the stands, tricolours waving high, and players soaking in the adulation of a nation that had long awaited this moment.
Statistical Highlights
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India’s total (298/7) – second-highest ever in a Women’s ODI World Cup final.
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Deepti Sharma – only Indian woman to score a fifty and take five wickets in a World Cup final.
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Shafali Verma – youngest player (21 years) to score a fifty in a Women’s World Cup final.
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India – third nation after Australia and England to win both men’s and women’s ODI World Cups.
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Laura Wolvaardt’s 101 – her sixth ODI century and first in a World Cup final.
What Lies Ahead
This victory could redefine the trajectory of Indian women’s cricket. With increased sponsorship, fan engagement, and media coverage, experts believe this win will inspire a new generation of players. Grassroots participation in women’s cricket is already on the rise, and this landmark moment could propel the sport to unprecedented popularity.
As India lifted the gleaming World Cup trophy, surrounded by the deafening chants of “India! India!”, the message was clear — this was more than just a sporting triumph; it was a statement of empowerment, belief, and national pride.
Brief Scores:
India 298/7 in 50 overs: Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 54, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58.
South Africa 246 all out in 45.3 overs: Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36.
India won by 52 runs.
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