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India secures maiden Women's Cricket World Cup title in Navi Mumbai thriller
India overcame years of near-misses and the pressure of a packed DY Patil Stadium to defeat South Africa by 52 runs in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final, marking their first-ever world title in the sport. A rain-delayed but electrifying match saw the hosts post 298-7 before Deepti Sharma's five-wicket haul (5-39) dismantled South Africa's chase, despite Laura Wolvaardt's valiant century (101).
A final delayed but undiminished
The showpiece event, held before a sold-out crowd of 45,000, began two hours late due to rain, yet retained its full 50-over format. India's decision to bat first paid off as opener Shafali Verma (87 off 78) and Deepti Sharma (58) powered the team to 298-7-the highest total in a Women's World Cup final. South Africa, chasing a record 299, relied heavily on captain Laura Wolvaardt, whose second consecutive century (101 off 98) kept them in contention until her dismissal in the 42nd over triggered a collapse.
Wolvaardt's exit-a juggling catch by Amanjot Kaur off Deepti's bowling-proved pivotal. South Africa, all out for 246 in 45.3 overs, suffered their third straight final defeat, while India's victory sparked jubilant celebrations that lasted long past midnight.
Verma's redemption and Deepti's dominance
Verma, a late inclusion after an injury to Pratika Rawal, delivered a fearless innings, striking 12 fours and a six. Though she fell short of a century, her 87-paired with Deepti's composed 58-set the foundation. Deepti later starred with the ball, claiming five wickets, including the crucial scalps of Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen (35), to finish as the tournament's leading wicket-taker (24).
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Deepti Sharma, Player of the Match
India's fielding, often criticized earlier in the tournament, rose to the occasion. Amanjot's athletic run-out of Tazmin Brits and a sharp stumping by Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) tightened the grip. South Africa's five dropped catches, including Verma on 56 and Deepti twice, proved costly.
From slow start to historic triumph
India's campaign began shakily, with three consecutive group-stage losses threatening their semi-final hopes. However, a stunning victory over defending champions Australia in the semi-finals-chasing 339 at the same venue-galvanized the team. The Women's Premier League (WPL), India's franchise T20 tournament, had already bolstered their depth and acclimatized players to high-pressure crowds, setting the stage for this breakthrough.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur hailed the win as "the start of a new era," while Wolvaardt, despite her team's loss, praised India's performance: "We were outplayed today, but this will make us stronger."
Key moments
- Powerplay dominance: India's openers, Verma and Smriti Mandhana, raced to 64-0 in 10 overs, exploiting South Africa's wayward bowling.
- Fielding lapses: South Africa's five dropped catches, including Verma's reprieve at 56, shifted momentum.
- Wolvaardt's lone stand: Her 101, following a semi-final 169, nearly steered South Africa home before Deepti's double strike.
- Amanjot's heroics: Her run-out of Brits and the match-turning catch to dismiss Wolvaardt earned her player-of-the-match contender status.
What it means for women's cricket
The victory ends India's decade-long wait for a global title and mirrors the men's team's 1983 World Cup win-a watershed moment that transformed cricket in the country. With Australia's decade-long dominance waning, this triumph could signal a power shift in women's cricket, fueled by India's burgeoning domestic league and a new generation of fans.
As fireworks lit up Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet's declaration-"This is just the beginning"-hinted at a future where such triumphs become routine. For South Africa, the pain of another final loss was tempered by Wolvaardt's promise: "We'll grow from this."
