India Wins First ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Title
Indian Womens Team
Image Credit: ICC
It has been accomplished by the women’s cricket team of India. The hosts won their first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in a historic match at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, beating South Africa by 52 runs. This ended years of agony on the world stage.
A full house witnessed history unfold as India scored a strong 298 for 7, the second-highest total in a Women’s World Cup final. A calm bowling performance secured the game. Shafali Verma led the way with a scorching 87 off 78, while Deepti Sharma was the hero of the night with a match-winning five-wicket haul and a key half-century.
A Statement with the Bat
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, India made their intent clear early. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana stitched together a fluent 104-run partnership, setting a commanding tone. Verma’s 87 was fearless, finding gaps and clearing ropes with ease. Mandhana added a steady 45, ensuring momentum never dipped.
Though South Africa regrouped with a tighter middle-over spell—thanks largely to Ayabonga Khaka’s 3 for 58—India found composure again through Deepti Sharma’s 58, stabilizing after a minor stumble. A late cameo from Richa Ghosh (34) pushed the score, even if the final two overs yielded just 12 runs. Still, the target of 299 looked like a mountain.
South Africa’s Strong Start—and India’s Stronger Response
South Africa began with promise. Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt gave their side a solid 50-run start, showing signs that the chase might go the distance. But India’s fielding changed the game’s rhythm. A sharp direct hit from Amanjot Kaur caught Brits short, and the balance began to tilt.
Wickets began to tumble. Anneke Bosch fell to Sree Charani, before Shefali Verma’s golden arm dismissed both Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in a span of three deliveries. South Africa, suddenly reeling, leaned heavily on their captain.
And Laura Wolvaardt delivered—composed and precise, she brought up her second consecutive century (101 off 98), trying to anchor the innings amid the collapse. But without steady partners, the task grew heavier.
Deepti Sharma Turns the Game
India’s match-turner arrived late but struck with force. Deepti Sharma’s second spell changed everything. She removed Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon in a decisive over, shifting the match’s trajectory for good. Sharma wrapped up with brilliant figures of 5 for 39, the kind of spell finals are remembered for.
Annerie Dercksen’s 35 sparked hope, but once she fell to Deepti Sharma, South Africa’s chase unraveled quickly. From 209 for 5, they stumbled to 246 all out, as spinners Verma and Charani ran through the tail. Verma’s two scalps and Charani’s early breakthrough kept pressure consistent.
Years of Wait End in Triumph
This win ends a long wait for India’s women, who came close on multiple occasions but had never claimed the crown. On Saturday, it was different. From tactical captaincy by Harmanpreet Kaur to clutch performances under pressure, India looked every bit the champion side.
And at the heart of it all were Shefali Verma and Deepti Sharma—two players who delivered with bat and ball when it mattered most. As the trophy was hoisted and the fireworks lit up the Navi Mumbai sky, this wasn’t just a win—it was a coming-of-age for Indian women’s cricket. With global attention, rising support, and now silverware to match, the future looks brighter than ever.
This story was originally featured in ICC
