India completed a fairytale finish in Navi Mumbai, defeating South Africa by 52 runs to claim their first ICC Women’s World Cup title. Batting first, India put up 298 for 7, powered by Shafali Verma’s blistering 87, Deepti Sharma’s composed 58, and solid contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 246 despite captain Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant 101. Deepti Sharma starred with the ball too, taking a five-wicket haul to cap a brilliant all-round performance.
Dominant Start and Smart Finish
India’s top order gave the perfect start with a 104-run stand between Mandhana and Shafali, followed by useful partnerships through the middle. Although South Africa fought back with tight bowling from Ayabonga Khaka, India’s lower order lifted the total close to 300. In defence, India’s spinners controlled the middle overs as Deepti and Shafali struck at key moments to halt South Africa’s chase.
Wolvaardt’s Lone Fight
Wolvaardt, who had been the tournament’s top run-getter, kept South Africa’s hopes alive with another classy century. Her dismissal off Deepti Sharma, however, turned the tide completely in India’s favour. Annerie Dercksen’s brief counterattack wasn’t enough as South Africa collapsed under pressure, handing India a well-earned victory.
BCCI Announces ₹51 Crore Prize
Soon after the win, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹51 crore for the players, coaches, and support staff. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the recognition reflected the team’s extraordinary achievement and marked a new era for women’s cricket. He highlighted that ICC chairman Jay Shah had recently increased the women’s World Cup prize money by 300%, from $2.88 million to $14 million, further boosting the women’s game globally.
A Defining Moment for Women’s Cricket
Saikia compared the team’s triumph to India’s 1983 men’s World Cup win, saying Harmanpreet Kaur and her players had inspired a new generation. “They haven’t just won a trophy; they’ve won the hearts of millions,” he said.
