India Crowned Women’s World Cup Champions for the First Time

A new champion has emerged in the Women’s Cricket World Cup. The task was far from easy for South Africa. To win, they needed to set a record. Though they began strongly, the Proteas faltered midway, paving the way for India to clinch their first-ever World Cup title with a 52-run victory over Laura Wolvaardt’s team.

In Navi Mumbai, after being sent to bat first, India posted 298 runs on the board, powered by Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma’s fine performances. Before this, no team had ever chased more than 167 runs in a Women’s World Cup final, and South Africa had never chased such a big total in their ODI history. Despite crossing 200 runs, their innings folded at 246.

India began solidly in the powerplay, reaching 64 without loss in 10 overs. The opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana ended at 104 when Mandhana departed after scoring 45.

Their partnership set a new record for the highest opening stand by India in a Women’s World Cup final.

Shafali continued confidently toward a century but was dismissed for 87 after hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes. Jemimah Rodrigues failed to convert her start, scoring 24, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 20 and Amanjot Kaur added 12.

At 245 for 5, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh steadied the innings, adding 47 runs together. Richa made 34, while Deepti was run out on the final ball for 58, helping India reach a commanding 298. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka took 3 wickets for 58 runs in 9 overs.

Chasing the target, South Africa’s start was steady until Tazmin Brits was run out on 51, triggering a collapse. Annika Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, and Sinal Jafta fell quickly, with Kapp scoring only 4 and Bosch dismissed for a duck.

At 148 for 5, Wolvaardt and Anneke Dercksen fought back, but Dercksen was bowled by Deepti for 35. When Wolvaardt was dismissed, South Africa’s defeat was sealed.

Wolvaardt scored 101 off 98 balls — her 10th ODI century. South Africa were still 78 runs short when their innings ended at 246 in 41.1 overs.

For India, Deepti Sharma took 5 wickets in 9.3 overs, while Shafali Verma claimed 2.

khaborwala/TSN