Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra): Former India captain Mithali Raj was overwhelmed with emotion and pride as India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final on Sunday.
“I am just going to give them a hug. The way they made a comeback in this World Cup was amazing,” Mithali said, visibly elated.
At one stage in the tournament, India had lost three consecutive matches, raising doubts about their semifinal chances. But under the guidance of head coach Amol Muzumdar and through sheer determination, the team staged a stunning turnaround.
From battling early setbacks to sealing a knockout berth, India went all the way to script history — clinching their first-ever Women’s World Cup title.
“I am just very happy and emotional that India has finally won the World Cup. This is something we have all been waiting for years to see, and it has finally happened,” Mithali expressed.
Batting first after South Africa chose to field, India got off to a strong start with a 100-run opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58 balls, 8 fours) and Shafali Verma. Shafali continued her fine form, adding 62 runs alongside Jemimah Rodrigues (24 off 37). India found themselves in a commanding position at 166/2.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20 off 29) and Deepti Sharma steadied the innings with a 52-run stand, before Deepti (58 off 58, 3 fours, 1 six) and Richa Ghosh (34 off 24, 3 fours, 2 sixes) powered India to 298/7 in 50 overs. Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) was the pick of the South African bowlers.
In reply, South Africa began steadily with a fifty-run stand, but early breakthroughs by Shafali Verma (2/36) and Shree Charani reduced them to 148/5 despite a spirited effort from captain Laura Wolvaardt.
Wolvaardt (101 off 98, 11 fours, 1 six) continued her brilliant run from the semifinal — where she had scored 169 — and shared a 61-run partnership with Annerie Dercksen (37 off 35). However, Deepti Sharma turned the game on its head with a sensational spell, dismissing both set batters and completing her maiden World Cup final five-wicket haul (5/39).
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246, handing India a historic 52-run victory and their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title.
