English
English
English
In a moment that will be etched forever in sporting history, India’s women’s cricket team lifted the ICC World Cup, breaking long-standing barriers and redefining the nation’s cricket legacy. Here’s everything you should know about the epic win.
India beat South Africa by 52 runs.
Navi Mumbai: After years of toil, near-misses, and heartbreak, Indian women’s cricket reached its Everest. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a gripping final to clinch their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title. Playing in their third final after the disappointments of 2005 and 2017, the team turned history on its head, producing a performance that will echo through generations of Indian cricket.
India’s victory in the 13th edition of the World Cup placed them among an elite group of champions, joining Australia (7 titles), England (4), and New Zealand (1). For millions of fans, this wasn’t just a win; it was redemption, belief, and history rewritten in golden letters.
India’s triumph was built on the brilliance of two contrasting heroes, Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma. Deepti, the dependable all-rounder, delivered a performance for the ages with both bat and ball. Her steady 55 off 64 balls set up India’s strong total before she ran through South Africa’s batting with figures of 5 for 39, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Shafali Verma’s story, however, was one of redemption and resurgence. Recalled to the squad following Pratika Rawal’s injury, the 21-year-old from Haryana seized the moment, scoring a sparkling 87 off 84 balls. Her two crucial wickets later in the innings ensured South Africa’s hopes never fully materialized.
How Much Will Team India Earn if They Win the Women’s World Cup Final Against South Africa?
After a two-hour rain delay, Shafali and Smriti Mandhana provided India with a perfect start, adding 104 runs for the opening wicket. Mandhana fell for 45 but finished the tournament as India’s highest run-scorer with 434 runs at an average of 54.25, breaking all previous Indian records.
Jemimah Rodrigues looked fluent before falling to a brilliant catch from South Africa’s skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who herself played a heroic innings later in the day. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur couldn’t convert her start, but the middle-order contributions and aggressive intent helped India post a commanding 298/7, the second-highest score ever in a Women’s World Cup final.
South Africa began their chase briskly, with Tazmin Brits (23) and Wolvaardt (101 off 98) adding 51 for the opening wicket. However, a direct hit from Amanjot Kaur broke the stand, and India’s bowlers tightened control.
Shree Charani’s disciplined bowling removed Anneke Bosch, while Shafali’s double strike dented the middle order. When Wolvaardt threatened to take the game deep, Deepti Sharma struck twice in one over, dismissing the Proteas captain and Chloe Tryon (9), effectively sealing the contest. She later claimed Nadine de Klerk for her fifth wicket, sparking jubilant celebrations as India bowled out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs.
This victory is more than just a trophy, it’s a statement. For decades, Indian women’s cricket has lived in the shadows of its male counterparts, but Harmanpreet’s team has now rewritten that narrative. From packed stands to nationwide celebrations, the moment marks a turning point for women’s sports in India, promising greater recognition, investment, and inspiration for the next generation.
As the confetti fell and the tricolor fluttered across the stadium, one thing became clear, India’s Wonder Women have arrived, and they’ve conquered the world.
