In a historic achievement for Indian cricket, the national women’s team clinched their first-ever ODI World Cup trophy with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. The win sent the enthusiastic home crowd into a frenzy.
Shafali Verma, the 21-year-old batting prodigy who joined the squad at the last minute, delivered an outstanding performance. She helped India reach a solid total of 298 for 7 with a dazzling 87 runs and later contributed with the ball, taking two wickets to halt South Africa’s pursuit.
Deepti Sharma, known for her dependability under pressure, bowled a pivotal spell, claiming 5 wickets for 39 runs, while young pacer Shree Charani maintained control at the other end. Together, they dismantled South Africa’s promising start, bowling them out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
Laura Wolvaardt, the South African captain, played a crucial role with a brilliant century, anchoring her team’s response. However, her dismissal in the 42nd over, along with the subsequent fall of Chloe Tryon, dashed the Proteas’ hopes as India tightened their hold on the match.
Earlier, openers Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma set a solid foundation with a century partnership, and Deepti Sharma later added a composed 58 in the middle order. Richa Ghosh’s brisk 34 provided much-needed momentum, contributing to India’s second-highest total ever in a Women’s ODI World Cup final.
For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka stood out with impressive figures of 3 for 58, while Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, and Nonkululeko Mlaba each took one wicket.
This victory signifies a major milestone for Indian women’s cricket, fulfilling a long-held dream and solidifying the team’s place among the global elite, while also inspiring the next generation of players across the nation.
Brief Scores: India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Smriti Mandhana 45; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58). South Africa 246 in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36).
Original Source: https://nenews.in/sports/women-in-blue-crowned-world-champions-for-the-first-time/35310/
Category: Sports,India,Maiden Victory,Women national team,World Cup
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Publish Date: 2025-11-03 00:33:00
