ndia scripted history at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday, lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title after defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final. The win marked the end of a 47-year wait for global glory in women’s cricket and drew parallels with India’s famous 1983 triumph.
Put in to bat after a two-hour delay due to a wet outfield, India rode on Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 and Deepti Sharma’s composed 58 to post a commanding 298 for 6 in 50 overs. Shafali and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (45) gave India a flying start, adding 104 runs for the opening wicket at nearly seven an over. Shafali, who replaced the injured Pratika Rawal in the semifinal against Australia, continued her dream run — smashing seven fours and two sixes in her 78-ball stay.
South Africa’s bowlers fought back through Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/47), who triggered a brief middle-overs collapse. Khaka dismissed Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues (24) in quick succession, while Mlaba removed skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20) as India slipped from a position of dominance. Deepti, however, steadied the innings with her 18th ODI fifty — her third of the tournament — adding crucial runs with Richa Ghosh (34 off 24 balls) to push India close to the 300-mark.
Deepti Sharma leads with ball as India seal glory
Defending 299, India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Deepti completed a memorable all-round performance with 5 for 39, dismantling South Africa’s middle order after Laura Wolvaardt (54) gave the visitors a solid start. Radha Yadav and Renuka Singh provided timely breakthroughs as South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 46 overs.
“This is a dream we’ve lived for years. To lift this trophy in front of our fans is beyond words,” skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said after the win.
Also Read: A 47-year wait ends- How Indian Women’s Cricket found its own ‘1983 moment’
India’s road to victory
India reached the final after a dramatic semi-final win over defending champions Australia, where Jemimah Rodrigues struck an unbeaten 127 to chase down 339 — the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history — and send India into the title match. That comeback set the tone for the final.
After the final, emotions ran high. Smriti Mandhana spoke for the team: “It's still sinking in. I haven't been emotional on a cricket field but just an unreal night... To be the champions, I'm not able to process it.” The remark underlined how long the team had chased this prize.
Ind-W vs SA-W Brief scores
India 298/7; 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Smriti Mandhana 45, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58) vs South Africa.
Put in to bat after a two-hour delay due to a wet outfield, India rode on Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 and Deepti Sharma’s composed 58 to post a commanding 298 for 6 in 50 overs. Shafali and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (45) gave India a flying start, adding 104 runs for the opening wicket at nearly seven an over. Shafali, who replaced the injured Pratika Rawal in the semifinal against Australia, continued her dream run — smashing seven fours and two sixes in her 78-ball stay.
South Africa’s bowlers fought back through Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/47), who triggered a brief middle-overs collapse. Khaka dismissed Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues (24) in quick succession, while Mlaba removed skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20) as India slipped from a position of dominance. Deepti, however, steadied the innings with her 18th ODI fifty — her third of the tournament — adding crucial runs with Richa Ghosh (34 off 24 balls) to push India close to the 300-mark.
Deepti Sharma leads with ball as India seal glory
Defending 299, India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Deepti completed a memorable all-round performance with 5 for 39, dismantling South Africa’s middle order after Laura Wolvaardt (54) gave the visitors a solid start. Radha Yadav and Renuka Singh provided timely breakthroughs as South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 46 overs.
“This is a dream we’ve lived for years. To lift this trophy in front of our fans is beyond words,” skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said after the win.
Also Read: A 47-year wait ends- How Indian Women’s Cricket found its own ‘1983 moment’
India’s road to victory
India reached the final after a dramatic semi-final win over defending champions Australia, where Jemimah Rodrigues struck an unbeaten 127 to chase down 339 — the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history — and send India into the title match. That comeback set the tone for the final.
After the final, emotions ran high. Smriti Mandhana spoke for the team: “It's still sinking in. I haven't been emotional on a cricket field but just an unreal night... To be the champions, I'm not able to process it.” The remark underlined how long the team had chased this prize.
Ind-W vs SA-W Brief scores
India 298/7; 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Smriti Mandhana 45, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58) vs South Africa.
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