Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Indian women’s cricket team achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever Women’s World Cup title after defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s victory brought immense joy to millions of fans and marked a new chapter in Indian cricket. The final, played under high pressure, witnessed India’s dominance with both bat and ball. The win places Harmanpreet alongside iconic Indian captains Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma, who also led their teams to World Cup triumphs.
The star of the night was 21-year-old Shafali Verma, who turned her past heartbreak into triumph. Five years ago, at the MCG during the T20 World Cup final, Shafali’s early dismissal led to India’s crushing defeat. This time, she scripted a remarkable redemption story. Her blistering 87 runs at the top of the order set the tone for India’s strong total. Later, she also contributed with the ball, taking 2 crucial wickets for 36 runs, turning the game decisively in India’s favour. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, joining a select group of Indian World Cup heroes such as Mohinder Amarnath, Irfan Pathan, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli.
Another star performer was Deepti Sharma, who delivered a complete all-round performance. She played a composed innings of 58 runs and followed it up with a remarkable five-wicket haul (5/39). Her consistent performance throughout the tournament earned her the Player of the Tournament award, as she took a total of 20 wickets. Deepti’s contribution in both innings ensured that India maintained their grip on the match from start to finish.
Despite rain delaying the start by 90 minutes, India’s openers, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, came out with intent. Their explosive partnership brought up India’s 50 runs in just over seven overs. Shafali, playing as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, made her opportunity count by registering record-breaking figures — becoming the youngest player ever to score a fifty in a World Cup final (men’s or women’s). The pair also achieved India’s first-ever 100-run opening stand in a World Cup knockout match. Mandhana contributed a fluent 45, while Jemimah Rodrigues added a steady 24 before being dismissed.
India’s middle order faced some pressure after quick wickets fell. Harmanpreet Kaur tried to rebuild the innings and added a crucial 52-run stand with Deepti Sharma. Although Harmanpreet fell for 20, her leadership and composure helped India stay on track. Richa Ghosh’s late fireworks — a quick 34 off 24 balls with three fours and two sixes — lifted India’s total to 298, the second-highest score ever in a Women’s World Cup final.
Chasing 299, South Africa began cautiously. Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s superb century gave them hope, but the Indian bowlers kept the pressure on. Amanjot Kaur’s direct hit dismissed Tazmin Britz, followed by Shree Charani’s quick breakthrough to remove Anneke Bosch for a duck. Then Shafali Verma struck twice in two overs, turning the tide. Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen tried to rebuild with a 50-plus partnership, but Deepti Sharma’s clever yorker dismissed Dercksen, while Amanjot’s stunning catch ended Wolvaardt’s resistance.
For Indian women’s cricket, this win was a dream fulfilled after years of near misses. The team had previously reached the finals in 2005, 2017, and 2020, only to fall short. Harmanpreet’s leadership, backed by a strong mix of youth and experience, finally helped India break through the barrier. The victory not only adds a new feather to India’s cricketing legacy but also inspires a new generation of young girls to dream big.
This triumph signifies the rise of Indian women’s cricket as a global force. From Shafali Verma’s redemption and Deepti Sharma’s consistency to the strategic brilliance of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team showcased skill, determination, and teamwork. With this win, India has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in world cricket, ready to challenge any team on any stage. The 2025 Women’s World Cup will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for the spirit of resilience and glory that defined Team India’s journey.
English
