The Indian women’s cricket team scripted a golden chapter in the nation’s sporting history, clinching their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium. In a final that had everything - rain delays, brilliant batting, and fiery bowling - India’s young sensation Shafali Verma and seasoned all-rounder Deepti Sharma delivered career-defining performances to seal the crown.
After a two-hour rain delay, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and chose to bowl, hoping to exploit early moisture. But India’s openers, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, turned the pressure into opportunity, stitching together a solid 104-run stand. The right-left combination attacked fearlessly, with Shafali cracking 87 and Mandhana contributing 45. Their partnership laid the foundation for India’s strong total of 298/7. Deepti Sharma’s composed 58 and Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 34 pushed India close to the 300-mark, while Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) was the pick of the South African bowlers.
In response, South Africa’s chase revolved around
the brilliant Laura
Wolvaardt, who produced a captain’s knock of 101 runs.
However, wickets kept tumbling at the other end as India’s disciplined bowling
attack applied constant pressure. Wolvaardt shared a 52-run stand with Sune Luus (25)
and a 61-run partnership with Annerie Dercksen (35), but the rest of the lineup failed
to provide substantial support.
The Indian bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma (5/39)
and Shafali Verma (2/36),
showcased precision and control. Deepti’s sharp yorker to dismiss Dercksen and
her crucial breakthroughs at regular intervals turned the match firmly in
India’s favor. Shafali, who had already starred with the bat, struck twice -
including the prized wicket of Luus = displaying her all-round brilliance.
South Africa was eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, falling
short despite Wolvaardt’s heroics.
Deepti Sharma, with a tally of 215 runs and 22 wickets
throughout the tournament, was rightfully named the Player of the Series.
