India made history on Sunday by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.
Chasing 299, South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs despite a promising start from captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who initially put pressure on the Indian bowlers.
The breakthrough came when Brits was run out after scoring 23 off 35 balls with two fours and a six, ending the 51-run opening stand and swinging momentum India’s way.
Anneke Bosch soon followed for a six-ball duck to Shree Charani, leaving South Africa struggling at 62-2 in the 12th over. Wolvaardt and Sune Luus tried to rebuild, taking the score past 100 before Shafali Verma dismissed Luus for 25 off 31 balls with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort.
Verma continued her fine spell, removing Marizanne Kapp for four in the 23rd over. Wolvaardt reached her 11th ODI half-century and fought hard to keep South Africa in contention.
Sinalo Jafta’s dismissal for 16 off 29 balls left the team at 148-5. A 61-run stand between Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen revived hopes, but Deepti Sharma struck again, removing Dercksen for 35 off 37 deliveries.
Wolvaardt top-scored with a brilliant 101 off 98 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six before being dismissed at 220-7 in the 41st over. Deepti Sharma soon wrapped up the innings, taking 5 wickets for 39 runs in 9.3 overs. Shafali Verma claimed two wickets, while Shree Charani added one.
Earlier, India’s batting lineup delivered a commanding performance. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave the team a solid start with a 104-run partnership. Mandhana scored 45 off 58 balls with eight boundaries before falling to Chloe Tryon.
Verma continued her dominance, adding 62 runs with Jemimah Rodrigues. She made 87 off 78 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, while Rodrigues scored 24 before being dismissed by Ayabonga Khaka.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma steadied the innings with a 52-run stand, taking India past 200. Kaur made 20 off 29, and Amanjot Kaur contributed 12 before being dismissed by Nadine de Klerk.
Deepti Sharma anchored the innings with a vital 58 off 58 balls—her 18th ODI fifty—helping India reach 299. Richa Ghosh added 34 off 24 balls, ensuring a strong finish as India posted a match-winning total.
With this victory, India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, marking a historic moment for Indian women’s cricket.
