By- Sri Omkar Mishra
Highlights – Deepti Sharma and Shafali Varma emerged as heroes. The Indian women’s team etched its name in history, becoming world champions for the first time after beating South Africa by 52 runs in the final.
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India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their maiden Women’s World Cup title, in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Chasing 299 runs, South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as Deepti Sharma took a five-wicket haul. Shafali Verma was also key for India, smacking 87 off 78 balls and also taking two wickets! Laura Wolvaardt was left shellshocked, falling to Deepti for 101 during the run chase. Then Deepti struck again to remove Chloe Tryon, completing her four-wicket haul. Nadine de Klerk was the final wicket lost as Deepti struck again. Wolvaardt and her opening partner Tazmin Brits got off to a strong start, but an error in judgment from the latter saw her fall victim to a direct hit from Amanjot Kaur, departing for 23 off 35 balls. Meanwhile, Anneke Bosch had a miserable outing wih the bat, falling for a six-ball duck to Shree Charani. Sune Luus did try to support Laura Wolvaardt, but the former South Africa skipper fell to Shafali Verma’s golden arm, departing for 25 off 31 balls. Then Shafali struck again, removing Marizanne Kapp for four off five balls.
In the first innings, Deepti Sharma (58) and Shafali Verma (87) got half-centuries as India reached 298/7 in 50 overs. India were handed a strong start, with both Shafali and Smriti Mandhana attacking Kapp. But Mandhana eventually outside-edged Tryon in the 18th over, and was caught at 45 off 58 balls. Meanwhile, Shafali got her half-century in the final ball of the same over. Eventually, she lost her wicket to Khaka for 87 off 78 balls, failing to get a ton. India’s semifinal hero Jemimah Rodrigues failed to continue her good form, losing her wicket for 24 off 37 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur also failed to build on her form from the semis, and was dismissed for 20 off 29 balls. Also, Amanjot Kaur failed to contribute, and was dismissed by De Klerk for 12 off 14 balls. Meanwhile, Richa Ghosh made a short cameo, keeping India’s scoreboard ticking in the death overs. She was dismissed in the final ball of the 49th over after smacking 34 off 24 balls. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma remained registered 58 off 58 balls as India set a target of 299 runs.
Warm Congratulation from Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the team’s remarkable victory as a reflection of “skill, teamwork, and determination.” He said the win would inspire India’s young generation and take women’s cricket to new heights.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the victory “a moment that touched a billion hearts.” He praised the team’s courage and sportsmanship, saying the success had uplifted the nation’s spirit and inspired countless young girls to dream fearlessly.
Industry leader Anand Mahindra also congratulated the team, saying their victory was a powerful example of perseverance and leadership for the younger generation. He said the win had elevated the sport of women’s cricket.
Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, cricketers, and…
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the victory “a golden moment” for the nation. Union Minister Smriti Irani called it a “wave of pure joy” that swept across India. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari saluted the players for their dedication and for demonstrating the power of “women power.”
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said that just as the 1983 victory inspired a generation of boys, this victory will inspire millions of girls to take up cricket and believe that they too can lift the cup one day. Virender Sehwag said that the team has won not just the match, but the hearts of every Indian.
The South African team’s fighting spirit was also praised. Former Proteas captain AB de Villiers congratulated the Indian team and said that global women’s cricket is booming.
An emotional Mithali Raj said that India had finally achieved what players had dreamed of for generations.
There was an outpouring of joy across the country, from tea shops to television screens. India’s daughters won this long-awaited title, and with it began a new era in cricket, led by women who turned dreams into reality.
Won the award with a world record
Shefali Verma was named Player of the Match in the final, scoring 87 runs and taking two crucial wickets. However, Deepti, who consistently performed well throughout the tournament, was awarded Player of the Tournament. Deepti took five wickets in the final, setting a world record. She became the first spinner to take four or more wickets in a final. Throughout the tournament, Deepti scored 215 runs with the help of three half-centuries and became the number one bowler with 22 wickets. For this outstanding performance, Deepti was awarded the Player of the Tournament, the highest award.
