India created history by winning their first-ever Women’s World Cup title with a 52-run victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
After being asked to bat first, India built a strong total of 298 for 7, powered by brilliant half-centuries from Shafali Verma (87) and Deepti Sharma (58). At one stage, India looked set for 350, but South Africa pulled things back in the final overs.
Smriti Mandhana gave India a flying start with 45 runs as she and Verma added 104 for the opening wicket. Verma, who came into the side as a late replacement for injured Pratika Rawal, smashed a 49-ball fifty and kept the momentum going. Mandhana missed out on her half-century, falling to Chloe Tryon’s spin.
Verma continued to attack and reached 87 off 78 balls before Ayabonga Khaka (3-58) dismissed her. Khaka struck again soon after, removing Jemimah Rodrigues (24), the hero of India’s semi-final win over Australia.
India were cruising at 200 for 3 after 35 overs, but South Africa fought back with tight bowling. Deepti Sharma reached her fifty, while Richa Ghosh added 34 valuable runs, helping India post 298.
Chasing 299, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a classy 101 off 96 balls. She shared solid partnerships with Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus to keep her team in the game. However, part-timer Verma broke their momentum with two quick wickets.
Wolvaardt completed her second consecutive hundred but fell in the 42nd over, caught by Amanjot Kaur off Sharma’s bowling. Her dismissal ended South Africa’s hopes as the team folded for 246 in 45.3 overs.
Deepti Sharma starred with both bat and ball, finishing with 5 for 39 in a match-winning performance that sealed India’s maiden Women’s World Cup triumph.
With this victory, India became the fourth nation—after Australia, England, and New Zealand—to win the prestigious tournament.
