NAVI MUMBAI: The conclusion of the fairytale known as India’s first Women’s World Cup victory could not have been more appropriate. While attempting to chase a low full toss, South African power hitter Nadine de Klerk, who had previously scored an impressive 84 not out off 54 balls during the league stage, leading to a three-wicket win over India, sent the ball to extra cover. There, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur ran back to secure the catch. Earlier, Deepti Sharma had made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring a half-century (58 runs off 58 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six), and she also excelled with the ball, taking five wickets for 39 runs in 9.3 overs, thereby dominating the final with her all-round performance and securing India’s largest victory in women’s cricket history. Shortly thereafter, a crowd of 45,000, along with the Indian team, erupted in celebration, with Harman and the Women in Blue shedding tears of joy. At last, the Indian women’s cricket team had their ‘83 moment. After enduring three consecutive losses that jeopardized their World Cup journey, India triumphed in the three crucial matches needed to advance — finally overcoming numerous disappointments. By defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium, with 45,000 supporters cheering them on, India has finally ended their prolonged wait for a coveted World Cup title. A billion hearts can now rejoice in the Women in Blue’s unforgettable, historic, and transformative victory for women’s cricket in India, thanks to a player who was not even included in the reserves!
“God has sent me here to accomplish something positive,” Shafali Verma remarked prior to India’s remarkable victory over the formidable Australian team in the semifinals, a triumph made possible by an outstanding century from Jemimah Rodrigues. Delivering a stunning performance with a career-best score of 87 runs off 78 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes, she played a crucial role in helping India set a total of 298 for six after being invited to bat first. Additionally, she contributed significantly with the ball, taking two wickets for 36 runs in seven overs. Shafali Verma — marking a spectacular return to form — was instrumental in India achieving 298 for six following a two-hour rain interruption, and she delivered critical strikes at a time when South Africa appeared to be comfortably pursuing their target.
Following up on her match-winning and remarkable innings of 169 in the semifinal against England at Guwahati, South African captain and opener Laura Wolvaardt struck another outstanding century (101 runs off 98 balls, including 10 fours and 1 six). However, when she was caught — after the fielder’s third attempt — by a sprinting Amanjot Kaur off Deepti in the 42nd over, the match was firmly under India’s control. The Proteas faltered under the strain of a challenging chase and a home crowd that fervently supported their team towards a historic victory. In pursuit of 299 runs, South Africa appeared to be in a comfortable position at 114 for two in the 21st over, until Shafali’s twin dismissals — she caught Sune Luus (25 runs off 31 balls, with 4 fours) off her own seemingly innocuous delivery, and had Marizanne Kapp (4 runs) caught behind in her subsequent over. Wolvaardt and fellow opener Tazmin Brits (23 runs off 35 balls, with 2 fours and 1 six) had contributed 51 runs in 57 balls before Amanjot Kaur executed a direct hit to provide India with their first breakthrough. Shortly thereafter, Anneke Bosch, who had a disappointing performance as she dropped an easy catch at deep mid-wicket off Shafali when the batter was on 57 runs, was dismissed on the back foot by Shree Charani for a six-ball duck.
