India Script Historic First-Ever ICC Women’s World Cup Triumph, Shafali & Deepti Shine Under Pressure
In a landmark moment that will echo through the annals of Indian sporting history, the Indian women’s cricket team clinched their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
It was a night when belief met brilliance — and Indian women’s cricket crossed a line generations had dreamed of.
A Dominant All-Round Show
Chasing 299, South Africa started strong, but India clawed back with grit and fire to bowl them out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
Deepti Sharma delivered one of the finest World Cup spells ever, claiming a five-wicket haul, while young star Shafali Verma showcased her all-round magic — first smashing 87 off 78 balls, then striking twice at a crucial stage in the chase.
South Africa’s skipper, Laura Wolvaard, fought valiantly, scoring a stunning 101, but her dismissal to Deepti turned the match India’s way. The visitors began well through Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits until a brilliant direct hit from Amanjot Kaur disrupted momentum.
From there, India squeezed relentlessly — wickets tumbling, pressure mounting, dreams fading for South Africa.
India’s Historic First Innings
Winning the toss on a rain-delayed evening, South Africa put India in — a decision they soon regretted.
Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58) stitched a commanding stand, taking India past 100 without loss. After Mandhana fell, Shafali soared, playing with fearless audacity before missing a century by 13 runs.
Middle-order contributions came from:
- Jemimah Rodrigues — 24 (37)
- Harmanpreet Kaur — 20 (29)
- Amanjot Kaur — 12 (14)
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- Richa Ghosh — scintillating 34 (24)
But it was Deepti Sharma’s composed 58 off 58 balls that anchored India’s total of 298/7, setting the stage for history.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s Emotional Reflection
A teary-eyed and proud Harmanpreet Kaur praised her squad, coaches, and fans: I am so grateful for this crowd. They were with us in every up and down. We always believed… this team deserves to be here. This is the start — we wanted to break this barrier. Now we want to make this a habit.”
She revealed a bold captain’s instinct behind giving Shafali the ball: My heart said she would do it. I had to go with my gut. And she proved why she is special.”
She dedicated the victory to years of effort, saying this win is “just the beginning” of a historic new era.
Heroes Behind the Triumph
This triumph belongs to every player and every dreamer:
Squad:
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Amanjot Kaur, Shree Charani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh, Titas Sadhu, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav
Head Coach: Amol Muzumdar
Support Staff & BCCI Women’s Cricket Unit — for building belief, system, and stability
Umpires: ICC Match Officials (Names as per ICC panel — acknowledgment of neutral officiating and professionalism)
A New Dawn for Indian Women’s Cricket
This is more than a trophy — it’s a statement.
A generation of women who dared, persevered, and conquered.
A victory that will inspire millions.
A moment that will forever shine in blue and gold.
India — ICC Women’s World Champions. At last, and forever. 🇮🇳🏆
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