In a rain-delayed final at the DY Patil Stadium, India posted 298-7 in 50 overs, thanks to a blistering 87 off 78 balls from opener Shafali Verma and a composed 58 from Deepti Sharma. The opening stand between Verma and Smriti Mandhana set the tone, giving India the platform to build a competitive total despite the pressure of a World Cup final.
South Africa’s chase was anchored by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who struck a brilliant 101 from 98 balls, her second successive century of the tournament. At 211-6, the Proteas still had a chance, needing 88 runs from the final 10 overs. But Wolvaardt’s dismissal—caught spectacularly by Amanjot Kaur at deep mid-wicket off Deepti Sharma—shifted the momentum decisively.
From there, Deepti Sharma ripped through the South African batting order, finishing with 5-39, the standout bowling performance of the final. South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, falling short by 52 runs.
The victory was especially poignant given India’s rocky start to the tournament, where they lost three consecutive group-stage matches and faced doubts about even reaching the semi-finals. Yet, the team rallied, with Verma—who was only drafted in for the semi-final after an injury to Pratika Rawal—emerging as an unlikely hero with both bat and ball.
For South Africa, the defeat was heartbreaking, marking their third successive loss in a World Cup final across formats. Despite Wolvaardt’s brilliance, the Proteas once again fell short at the final hurdle.
For India, however, this triumph represents more than just a trophy. It is the first Women’s World Cup title in the nation’s history, a breakthrough moment that could ignite a new era for women’s cricket in the country. The packed, sold-out crowd in Navi Mumbai stayed until after midnight, roaring with every wicket and celebrating a victory that will be remembered for generations.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ICC, Sky Sports
