India Lift First-Ever Women’s World Cup with 52-Run Win Over South Africa

India made history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. Batting first, India scored 298/7, led by Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s 58, with strong support from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34). In reply, South Africa began well, but India’s bowlers turned the tide. Deepti Sharma shone with the ball, taking 5 for 39, while Shafali also picked up two key wickets. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant 101, South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a ₹51 crore reward for the team, calling the win a “monumental achievement.” The victory marks a defining moment for Indian women’s cricket — a historic night that will inspire generations to come.