India Conquers: Women’s ODI World Cup Title Secured

The long wait for Indian women’s cricket is finally over. In a performance that epitomized a dominant campaign, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a captivating final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

India Sets a Commanding Target

After being put in to bat in a match delayed by two hours due to rain, the Indian batters laid a solid foundation for a challenging total of 298 for 7.

• Blazing Start: The innings was anchored by the explosive opening batter, Shafali Verma, who smashed a career-best and magnificent 87 off just 78 balls. She combined with the in-form Smriti Mandhana (45) for a superb 104-run opening stand that set the pace.
• Deepti Sharma’s Composed Fifty: Following a wobble in the middle order, which saw South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Ayabonga Khaka (3/58), claw back some momentum, all-rounder Deepti Sharma delivered a composed half-century (58 runs).
• Crucial Finish: A vital cameo by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh (34 off 24 balls) provided the final impetus, ensuring India posted the second-highest total ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup final.

✨ Spin Magic Seals the Deal

Chasing a demanding 299, South Africa’s hopes rested on their star-studded batting line-up, and captain Laura Wolvaardt stepped up brilliantly, continuing her record-breaking run.

• Wolvaardt’s Valiant Century: South Africa’s chase was anchored by a phenomenal century from skipper Laura Wolvaardt (101 off 98 balls), who finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer. She kept the Proteas firmly in the contest, despite losing partners at the other end.
• The Turning Point: The match, however, dramatically swung in India’s favour due to the brilliance of their all-round heroines. Part-time off-spinner Shafali Verma provided two crucial breakthroughs, dismissing the well-set Sune Luus and the dangerous Marizanne Kapp to break the chase’s rhythm.
• Deepti Sharma’s History-Making Spell: The final nail in the coffin was hammered by Player of the Tournament, Deepti Sharma. Bowling with exceptional control and variation, Sharma first dismissed the dangerous Annerie Dercksen and followed it up with the key wicket of Wolvaardt. She eventually completed a match-winning spell of 5 for 39, becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a Women’s World Cup final.

South Africa’s innings ultimately folded for 246 in 45.3 overs, giving India a comprehensive 52-run victory.

🇮🇳 A Historic Moment

The victory sparked emotional scenes at the packed stadium, ending India’s painful run of heartbreaks in the 2005 and 2017 finals. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was visibly overcome with emotion as she took the final catch, marking a moment that is set to become a watershed for women’s cricket in the country.

Shafali Verma was rightly named the Player of the Match for her blistering knock and vital wickets, capping off an unforgettable day where the Women in Blue finally secured their place in cricketing history as World Champions.