A packed stadium erupted in disbelief and joy as India’s women cricketers finally shattered decades of heartbreak, lifting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time after a dominant 52-run win over South Africa on home soil.
India delivered a complete performance in the World Cup final in Navi Mumbai, powered by Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 at the top and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance, which included a composed fifty and a ruthless five-wicket spell that crushed South Africa’s chase. The victory not only handed India their first ever Women’s World Cup title but also marked a defining moment for Indian women’s sport, sealing a long-awaited dream in front of a roaring home crowd.
A rain-delayed start did not stop India’s intent as Verma launched into South Africa’s bowling attack with a mix of elegance and aggression. Her 78-ball 87, filled with fluent boundaries and a towering six, set the tone for India’s commanding 298 for seven. Smriti Mandhana added a stylish 45, combining with Verma for a 100-run opening stand that electrified the stadium. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur contributed useful runs before Deepti Sharma anchored the finish with a composed 58, riding her luck through dropped chances but guiding India past the 290-mark. A fiery cameo from Richa Ghosh added late acceleration as South Africa were left with a steep chase.
Chasing 299, South Africa rode on a determined century from captain Laura Wolvaardt, who registered her ninth ODI ton and became the highest run-getter in a single Women’s World Cup, surpassing Alyssa Healy’s record. But the innings fell apart around her as India’s bowlers struck at key moments. A brilliant direct hit from Amanjot Kaur removed Tazmin Brits, and Sree Charani trapped Anneke Bosch soon after to leave South Africa wobbling at 62 for two. Verma, already a hero with the bat, turned golden-arm bowler, removing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp to swing momentum back India’s way.
With pressure mounting, Deepti Sharma produced a spell that will forever be remembered in Indian cricket history. She dismissed Jafta, Dercksen, Wolvaardt, and Tryon in a stunning burst, sealing her first five-wicket haul in a World Cup final. Wolvaardt’s dismissal for a majestic 101 ended South Africa’s hopes, and the final wicket fell with 27 balls remaining, sparking thunderous celebrations as India completed a 52-run victory.
The Indian players fell to the ground in tears, embraced by a sea of tricolour flags, chants, and fireworks. For a nation that had watched its women’s team fall agonisingly short in 2005 and 2017, the long wait was finally over. For Verma and Sharma, who carried the team with bat and ball, it was a crowning moment of skill, courage and calm under pressure.
With this win, India not only claimed the World Cup but also sent an unmistakable message to the cricket world — the era of Indian women’s dominance has begun.
