Navi Mumbai: India scripted sporting history by clinching their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at DY Patil Stadium here.
Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s astute leadership, the Women in Blue posted a formidable 298 for 7 after losing the toss and batting first. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana laid a solid foundation with a 104-run partnership, with Verma top-scoring with a brisk 87 while Mandhana contributed 45. Deepti Sharma anchored the middle order with a crucial 58, bolstered by Richa Ghosh’s rapid 34 off 24 balls, propelling India beyond the looming 300-mark threshold.
South Africa’s chase faltered under relentless Indian bowling pressure, collapsing to 246 all out in 45.3 overs, despite captain Laura Wolvaardt’s resilient century (101). Deepti Sharma took the lead, taking five wickets (5-39) and causing a run-out, while Shafali Verma contributed with 2-36. Sree Charani added a wicket, as the spinners exploited the turning track to dismantle the Proteas innings once Wolvaardt departed.
This triumph ends India’s long wait for global glory, erasing memories of 12 prior ICC heartbreaks for Harmanpreet. The victory, witnessed by a jubilant capacity crowd, marks a watershed moment for women’s cricket in India, inspiring generations amid soaring national pride.