India produced a commanding performance to defeat South Africa by 52 runs and lift their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title.
The final, played before a sold-out crowd at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, was delayed by rain but eventually delivered a thrilling contest.
Batting first, India posted a competitive 298-7, with opener Shafali Verma top-scoring with a fluent 87 off 78 balls.
Deepti Sharma provided crucial support with 58 runs, setting South Africa their highest-ever ODI chase target.
Chasing 299, Laura Wolvaardt kept the Proteas in the hunt with a brilliant 101 off 98 balls.
However, her dismissal in the 42nd over, caught by Amanjot Kaur off Deepti’s bowling, triggered a collapse as South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
Deepti Sharma starred with the ball, taking 5-39 to seal India’s triumph, while Shafali added 2-36 to her earlier batting heroics.
The result marked South Africa’s third consecutive final defeat, extending their wait for a maiden global title.
This victory capped a remarkable turnaround for India, who had lost three consecutive group-stage matches before mounting an inspired comeback to glory.
The electrifying atmosphere at the DY Patil Stadium reflected the magnitude of the moment — a defining night that could reshape the landscape of women’s cricket in India.
Cricket observers have hailed the triumph as a watershed moment comparable to the men’s team’s historic 1983 World Cup win under Kapil Dev.
With the Women’s Premier League already deepening the talent pool, India’s breakthrough on the world stage could signal the dawn of a new era for the women’s game.
