India’s women cricketers have etched their names in history. At the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team defeated South Africa by 52 runs to lift the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy — their first-ever world title in the tournament’s 52-year history.

It was a moment of redemption and triumph for Indian women’s cricket, which had fallen agonisingly short in 2005 and 2017. This time, the Harman Brigade finished the job in style — with a commanding all-round performance that thrilled a packed home crowd.

Shafali and Deepti lay the foundation

Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a formidable 298/6, powered by Shafali Verma’s 87 off 92 balls and Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 58 off 46. Openers Shafali and Smriti Mandhana (45) gave India a flying start, racing to 100 in just 17 overs.

After Mandhana’s dismissal, Shafali continued her elegant assault on the South African bowlers, stitching vital partnerships with Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20). Late fireworks came from Richa Ghosh (34) and Deepti Sharma, who ensured India crossed the 290 mark.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka and Nadine de Klerk took two wickets each, but the Indian batting proved too strong on the day.

Deepti Sharma delivers dream spell

Chasing 299, South Africa began solidly through Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who put up a 50-run stand in the first nine overs. However, the breakthrough came via Amanjot Kaur’s sharp run-out of Brits (23), triggering a collapse.

Off-spinner Shree Charani dismissed Anneke Bosch for a duck before Shafali Verma, continuing her golden night, removed Sune Luus (25) and Marizanne Kapp (4) in quick succession.

Then came the Deepti Sharma show. The all-rounder bowled a match-defining spell, dismissing Sinalo Jafta (16), Annerie Derksen (35), and captain Laura Wolvaardt, who had anchored the chase with a majestic 100. In the same over, Deepti sent back Chloe Tryon, sealing India’s victory.

Deepti finished with 5 wickets for 42 runs, alongside a run-out — a performance for the ages. South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 47.5 overs.

“A dream come true for India”

An emotional Harmanpreet Kaur, holding the trophy aloft, said:

“This victory belongs to every Indian girl who dared to dream. We’ve waited decades for this moment — today, our dream has come true.”

Deepti Sharma, who was named Player of the Final, said she was “overwhelmed” to have contributed to India’s triumph. “I just wanted to play my role for the team. Winning the World Cup at home is beyond words.”

South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, despite her valiant century, admitted that India were “the better team on the day.” “We fought hard, but India outplayed us in all departments,” she said.

A golden day for Indian cricket

Fireworks lit up the DY Patil sky as thousands chanted “India, India” in unison. The victory completes India’s remarkable journey through the tournament — unbeaten since the group stages, with Shafali, Mandhana, and Deepti leading the charge.

This triumph is expected to mark a new era for Indian women’s cricket, inspiring millions across the country. As the players took a victory lap, the moment was clear: the wait was over, the crown was theirs.

Score Summary: India Women — 298/6 (50 overs): Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58*, Smriti Mandhana 45, Richa Ghosh 34; Khaka 2/47, de Klerk 2/55 South Africa Women — 246 (47.5 overs): Laura Wolvaardt 100, Annerie Derksen 35, Tazmin Brits 23; Deepti Sharma 5/42, Shafali Verma 2/28

India Women won by 52 runs Player of the Final: Deepti Sharma