NAVI MUMBAI: India scripted history on Sunday as Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma delivered outstanding all-round performances to guide their team to a thrilling win over South Africa, clinching the nation’s maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title.
After being put to bat first following a two-hour rain delay, India posted a formidable 298-7 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 off 78 balls, supported by Smriti Mandhana’s 45 and Deepti Sharma’s composed 58. Richa Ghosh added quick runs with a fiery 34 off 24 balls, helping India finish strongly.
Verma and Mandhana gave India a flying start with a 104-run opening stand, taking full advantage of the fast outfield. South Africa finally broke through when Chloe Tryon dismissed Mandhana. Despite the setback, Verma continued her counterattack, forming another key 62-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues before falling short of a century.
In the later stages, Deepti Sharma’s smart batting and Ghosh’s aggressive stroke play propelled India close to the 300-mark. Ayabonga Khaka was the standout bowler for South Africa, claiming three wickets in her nine overs.
Chasing 299, South Africa faltered under pressure, bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt fought valiantly with a brilliant 101 off 98 balls, keeping her team in contention amid falling wickets. She built vital partnerships with Sune Luus and Annerie Dercksen, but once Wolvaardt departed, the South African innings crumbled.
Deepti Sharma starred with the ball, taking a sensational five-wicket haul in 9.3 overs, while Shafali chipped in with two crucial dismissals. Amanjot Kaur’s sharp fielding, including a direct-hit run-out, turned the tide early in India’s favor.
With this emphatic performance, India lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, marking a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket history.
Read: South Africa Opt to Bowl First Against India in Women’s World Cup Final After Rain Delay