Navi Mumbai: India has scripted history in Navi Mumbai as they clinched their maiden Women’s World Cup title with a dominant 52-run victory over South Africa in a pulsating final at the DY Patil Stadium.
In front of a passionate, sold-out crowd of 45,000, the match began two hours late due to rain, but the atmosphere remained electric as the full 50 overs per side unfolded in an unforgettable contest. Batting first, India set a formidable total of 298/7. Opener Shafali Verma delivered a brilliant 87 off 78 balls, while Deepti Sharma anchored the innings with a composed 58.
Their contributions powered India to a competitive score, leaving South Africa needing a record chase in a World Cup final. South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt kept her side in the fight with a magnificent 101 off 98 balls, her second consecutive century of the tournament. At 211/6, with 88 required from the final 10 overs, the contest hung in the balance.
However, Wolvaardt’s dismissal caught by Amanjot Kaur off Deepti Sharma in the 42nd over triggered a collapse. The Proteas were bowled out for 246, sealing their third consecutive World Cup final defeat.
Deepti Sharma emerged as the bowling hero, dismantling the South African lineup with figures of 5/39, adding to her status as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. Shafali Verma capped her dream performance with 2/36, becoming a surprise star with both bat and ball despite only being drafted into the squad for the semi-finals after Pratika Rawal’s injury.
The result marks a remarkable turnaround for India, which had stumbled earlier in the tournament with three straight group-stage defeats before staging a stunning comeback to lift the trophy. As the clock passed midnight, the jubilant home crowd remained in full voice, celebrating a victory that promises to inspire a new era for women’s cricket in India.
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