India’s dream of clinching their first Women’s World Cup title became a reality as Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates celebrated a triumphant victory over South Africa by 52 runs in a gripping final held at the DY Patil Stadium. This milestone not only thrilled thousands of fans in attendance but also signified a remarkable recovery for a team that had earlier faced significant hurdles during the tournament, including three consecutive defeats, one of which came against South Africa in the group stage.
Under Kaur’s inspirational leadership, the Indian team showcased tenacity and skill, particularly highlighted during the semi-finals against the reigning champions, Australia. In that match, Jemimah Rodrigues was extraordinary, scoring an impressive unbeaten 127 runs, which fueled India’s aspirations as they prepared to face South Africa, who were also on the hunt for their first World Cup trophy.
In the final match, India established a formidable target of 298 runs, with opener Shafali Verma delivering an exceptional performance. Her explosive innings of 87 runs proved to be pivotal, and she also achieved critical breakthroughs with the ball, taking two wickets that changed the course of the game, particularly when South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt was approaching her century. Wolvaardt, who scored 101 runs, saw her dismissal precipitate a collapse in the South African lineup, finishing their innings at 246 in the 46th over.
Verma, who joined the squad just before the knockout stage due to an injury replacement, proved her worth by not only contributing significantly with the bat but also making substantial impacts in the bowling department. Additionally, Deepti Sharma shone brightly in the final, scoring 58 runs and taking five wickets, earning her the player-of-the-tournament title for her outstanding all-around performance.
The significance of this victory resonates deeply with the team, especially for Smriti Mandhana, who led the scoring charts throughout the tournament. Mandhana expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support from fans and reflected on the challenges they had overcome in past tournaments, emphasizing the dedication that guided them to this monumental achievement.
This historic win for the Indian women’s cricket team not only marks a new chapter in their sporting journey but also underscores the rising visibility and importance of women’s sports in India. With this World Cup triumph, there is a palpable sense of hope and enthusiasm for the future of women’s cricket, inspiring aspiring athletes and promoting inclusivity and empowerment in sports on a global scale.