The wait of nearly five decades is finally over. In a momentous triumph that will forever be etched in Indian sports history, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a captivating final at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium to secure their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy.
The victory, achieved in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd, marked the end of India’s long pursuit of a global 50-over title, banishing the ghosts of the 2005 and 2017 final heartbreaks.
The Game Changer: Shafali and Deepti Star with Both Bat and Ball
The final was defined by the stunning all-round brilliance of young sensation Shafali Verma and the composed veteran Deepti Sharma, who both contributed stellar performances to ensure India’s victory.
India’s Innings: A Platform of 298/7
After South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, won the toss and elected to field on a surface delayed by rain, India’s batters launched a powerful assault.
- 104-Run Opening Blitz: The innings was set up by a blistering opening partnership between Shafali Verma (87 off 78 balls) and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (45), who smashed 104 runs at a rapid pace. Verma’s aggressive knock, punctuated by 7 fours and 2 sixes, ensured India dictated terms early on.
- The Middle-Order Anchor: Despite a brief collapse, Deepti Sharma (58 off 58 balls) steered the middle order with a crucial half-century, supported by a blazing cameo from Richa Ghosh (34 off 24 balls), which propelled India to a formidable total of 298 for 7. South Africa’s pace spearhead Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) was the pick of the bowlers.
South Africa’s Chase: Wolvaardt’s Heroic Century Falls Short
Chasing a record total in a World Cup final, the Proteas showed resilience, anchored by their captain.
- Wolvaardt’s Lone Battle: South Africa’s chase revolved entirely around captain Laura Wolvaardt (101 off 98 balls), who played a magnificent, fighting century. However, she received little sustained support at the other end.
- Momentum Swings to India: The tide turned decisively with clever bowling changes by Harmanpreet Kaur. Amanjot Kaur’s direct-hit run-out ended the first wicket stand. Then, Shafali Verma (2/36), bringing on her part-time off-spin, struck twice in quick succession to remove the dangerous Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, putting South Africa on the back foot at 123/4.
Deepti Delivers the Knockout Blow
The final nail in South Africa’s coffin was hammered in by Deepti Sharma, who turned in a performance of a lifetime.
- Sharma bowled with exceptional control, eventually delivering the match-winning moment by dismissing the centurion Wolvaardt.
- She secured a historic five-wicket haul (5/39), becoming the first-ever bowler to achieve a fifer in a Women’s World Cup final. Her brilliant spell triggered a dramatic collapse, bundling out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs.
As the final wicket fell, the electric atmosphere at the DY Patil Stadium reached a crescendo. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the iconic trophy, marking a profound moment of relief and joy for the entire squad. The team’s celebrations included an emotional tribute to former captains Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, acknowledging their contribution to the sport.
Shafali Verma was named the Player of the Match for her all-round contribution, while Deepti Sharma was rightly adjudged the Player of the Tournament for her consistent brilliance with both bat and ball throughout the campaign.
This victory is more than just a trophy; it is a powerful symbol of Indian women’s cricket coming of age, setting a new benchmark for the future.
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