Queens of Cricket: India Women Crowned Champions After a Glorious 52-Run Win Over South Africa
Queens of Cricket: India Women Crowned Champions After a Glorious 52-Run Win Over South Africa
Women’s World Cup: India Vs South Africa- India Women lifted the trophy in style, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the grand final. Deepti Sharma’s magical five-wicket spell and Shafali Verma’s fearless knock led India to a historic win that echoed the rise of women’s cricket in every sense.
On a bright and emotional evening, Indian Women scripted a golden chapter in cricket history. South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first, but what followed was a story of sheer determination and teamwork. From the first ball to the last roar of celebration, the Indian women displayed courage that went far beyond the scoreboard.
Shafali Verma’s bold 87 set the perfect tone, Smriti Mandhana’s graceful 45 built the foundation, and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance anchored the team to a strong total of 298/7 in 50 overs. When the pressure was high, the women in blue didn’t crumble they rose higher.
As South Africa began their chase, Laura Wolvaardt’s century gave them hope, but India’s bowlers fought back with fire. Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul turned the game on its head, sealing the win by 52 runs. The moment the final wicket fell, emotions burst smiles, tears, and hugs reflected years of hard work, sacrifices, and belief that women’s cricket truly stands shoulder to shoulder with greatness.
India Women’s Innings
Asked to bat first, India got off to a confident start with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma putting on a 104-run partnership. Shafali looked unstoppable, smashing 87 runs off just 78 balls, showing her attacking flair with seven fours and two sixes. Mandhana, ever elegant, added 45 runs before falling to Chloe Tryon.
After their dismissals, Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and Harmanpreet Kaur (20) steadied the innings. But the real impact came from Deepti Sharma, who played with calm maturity. Her 58 from 58 balls held the innings together, ensuring India didn’t lose momentum in the middle overs. Richa Ghosh’s quick 34 off 24 balls added the perfect finishing touch, pushing India close to the 300-mark.
Among the South African bowlers, Ayabonga Khaka stood out with 3 wickets, while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk chipped in with one each.
South Africa Women’s Innings
Chasing 299, South Africa’s hopes rested heavily on their skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, who played a captain’s knock of 101 off 98 balls, filled with grace and grit. But the Indian bowlers never allowed the rest of the lineup to settle. Tazmin Brits (23) and Annerie Dercksen (35) tried to rebuild, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
The hero of the night was Deepti Sharma, whose spell of 5/39 broke South Africa’s backbone. Every wicket she took carried emotion passion, purpose, and pride. Shafali Verma added to her all-round show with 2 wickets, while Shree Charani also picked one.
Despite Wolvaardt’s brilliance, South Africa fell short, bowled out for 246, giving India a well-deserved 52-run win and the championship glory they had long dreamt of.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 298/7 (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Smriti Mandhana 45; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58)
South Africa Women: 246 all out (Laura Wolvaardt 101; Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36)
Result: India Women won by 52 runs and are crowned Champions