Navi Mumbai— The Indian women’s cricket team etched its name in history by winning the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup for the first time, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at DY Patil Stadium. This monumental victory ended India’s 47-year-long wait for the prestigious title.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, South Africa found themselves on the back foot as India’s batting lineup delivered a commanding performance. Shafali Verma led the charge with a brilliant 87-run knock, supported by Deepti Sharma’s composed 58. Smriti Mandhana added 45, while Richa Ghosh contributed a quick 34, helping India post a strong total of 298 for seven. South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets.
Chasing 299, South Africa’s hopes rested on skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who scored her second consecutive century of the tournament. However, her dismissal triggered a collapse, and the team was bowled out for 246 runs.
India’s all-round brilliance shone through in the bowling department as well. Deepti Sharma’s magical spell earned her five wickets, while part-time off-spinner Shafali Verma turned the match in India’s favor with two crucial breakthroughs.
As the final wicket fell, celebrations erupted across the stadium and the nation. The Indian women’s team, led by determination and teamwork, finally lifted the trophy that had eluded them for nearly five decades — marking a golden chapter in Indian cricket history.
