India crowned world champions after thrilling win over South Africa in Navi Mumbai

India etched their name into cricketing history by clinching their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title with a 52-run win over South Africa in a pulsating final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Sport360NG reports.

ICC Women’s World Cup Final, Navi Mumbai
India 298-7 (50 overs): Shafali 87 (78), Deepti 58; Khaka 3-58
South Africa 246 (45.3 overs): Wolvaardt 101 (98); Deepti 5-39
India won by 52 runs

Despite a two-hour rain delay, the match went ahead in front of a raucous capacity crowd of 45,000, and it turned into a night of unforgettable drama as the hosts delivered under immense pressure.

Verma and Deepti Lead India’s Charge

Put in to bat, India posted a commanding 298 for seven, led by a sparkling 87 off 78 balls from opener Shafali Verma, who seized her opportunity after being drafted in for the semi-finals. Deepti Sharma added a composed 58, helping set the Proteas a record chase in a World Cup final.

South Africa’s bowlers struggled for control early on, with Verma and Smriti Mandhana racing to 64 without loss in the powerplay. While Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka eventually made inroads, South Africa were left to rue five dropped catches, including two reprieves for Deepti.

Verma fell short of a deserved century but her enterprising innings provided the perfect platform. Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh chipped in with vital contributions as India finished strongly, even if 69 runs in the final 10 overs left the door slightly ajar for the Proteas.

Wolvaardt Century in Vain as Deepti Dominates

In pursuit of 299, South Africa’s hopes rested on the shoulders of their in-form captain Laura Wolvaardt, who struck a sublime 101 from 98 balls, her second consecutive century. However, her dismissal in the 42nd over, brilliantly caught by Amanjot Kaur at deep midwicket off Deepti, extinguished their chances.

The Proteas had earlier been rocked by quick wickets as Tazmin Brits was run out by Amanjot and Anneke Bosch fell lbw to Shree Charani, before Verma, turning unlikely bowling hero, removed Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in successive overs.

Deepti, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, tore through the middle and lower order to finish with 5-39. Her final wicket, Nadine de Klerk, caught by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, sealed a moment of sporting history well past midnight, as the crowd erupted into celebration.

Historic Triumph for Indian Cricket

For India, the victory ended decades of near misses, after World Cup final heartbreaks in 2017 and 2020, and marked a watershed moment for women’s cricket in the country.

The success also highlighted the impact of the Women’s Premier League, which has deepened India’s talent pool and given players experience in high-pressure situations before massive crowds.

It capped a remarkable turnaround for the team, who lost three straight group matches earlier in the tournament before defeating favourites Australia in the semi-final to reach the final.

The comparison with the men’s 1983 World Cup triumph was inevitable, a defining victory that could reshape the future of the women’s game.

What They Said

Harmanpreet Kaur, India captain:
“After every World Cup we kept asking ourselves what more we needed to do. The expectations were huge, and we knew something special was required. This is just the beginning, the start of a new habit.”

Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa captain:
“I’m so proud of this group for the cricket we’ve played throughout the tournament. We were outplayed today, but we’ll grow from this experience. Congratulations to India, they were outstanding.”

India’s night of glory will be remembered not only as the culmination of a thrilling campaign but as the dawn of a new era for women’s cricket, one where the world’s most passionate cricket nation finally reigns supreme.