MUMBAI (Diya TV) — India captain Harmanpreet Kaur called her team’s historic Women’s World Cup victory “just the beginning” after India defeated South Africa by 52 runs on Sunday to win the tournament for the first time. The win marked a new era for Indian women’s cricket, as the team celebrated in front of a packed home crowd at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.
India posted 298 for 7 after being sent in to bat in a rain-delayed final. Opener Shafali Verma led from the front with a brilliant 87, while Deepti Sharma contributed a crucial run-a-ball 58 in the middle order. Their performances helped India reach a challenging total that kept the 45,000 fans on their feet.
In reply, South Africa fought hard but fell short, bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs. Sharma, India’s dependable all-rounder, delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, taking five wickets. Her efforts sealed India’s long-awaited first Women’s World Cup title.
“This was the barrier we wanted to break,” Kaur said after the win. “Our next goal is to make this success a habit. This is not the end—it’s just the beginning.”
Verma, named Player of the Match, gave India a flying start with her fearless batting. Alongside Smriti Mandhana, who scored 45, Verma added 104 runs for the opening wicket. The duo’s partnership laid the foundation for India’s big total on a pitch known for high scores.
When South Africa came to bat, Verma proved her all-round value again. Kaur handed her the ball in the 20th over, and the part-time off-spinner struck immediately by removing Sune Luus. Verma then dismissed Marizanne Kapp in her next over, a move Kaur later called the “turning point” of the match.
Sharma’s five-wicket haul completed India’s dominance. Her double-wicket over—claiming South African captain Laura Wolvaardt for 101 and Chloe Tryon for nine—brought the game to the brink. Sharma then removed Nadine de Klerk for 18 to end the innings and spark massive celebrations across India.
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt fought valiantly with a composed 101, but her dismissal marked the beginning of the end for her side. “I could not be prouder of this team,” Wolvaardt said. “We played brilliant cricket throughout, but were outplayed today. It’s unfortunate to be on the losing side, but we will grow from this.”
Despite the loss, Wolvaardt finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 571 runs at an average above 71. Her consistency powered South Africa to their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup final, following back-to-back T20 final appearances in 2023 and 2024.
India’s path to the title was not easy. The team struggled in the group stage, losing three straight matches. But they found form when it mattered most. India grabbed the last semi-final spot and then stunned seven-time champions Australia with a record chase of 339 runs.
In the final, the home side carried that momentum, displaying both skill and belief. Verma’s aggressive start and Sharma’s all-round brilliance symbolized the team’s fearless new approach under Kaur’s leadership.
Sharma finished the tournament as the Best Player of the World Cup, taking 22 wickets and scoring 215 runs. Her consistency with both bat and ball made her the heartbeat of India’s campaign.
The victory was India’s first after two heartbreaks in previous finals. The team finished runners-up in 2005 and 2017 but finally crossed the line on their third attempt. The triumph sparked wild celebrations across the country, from the stadium in Mumbai to living rooms nationwide.
Kaur praised her players for their resilience and unity. “We waited for this moment for so long,” she said. “Now that it’s here, we must build on it. So many big occasions are coming, and we will keep improving.”
The win not only crowned India as world champions but also signaled a major shift in women’s cricket. With young stars like Verma and experienced leaders like Sharma and Kaur, India’s women’s team looks set for a bright future. As fireworks lit up the Mumbai sky and fans waved the tricolor, one message was clear: Indian women’s cricket has arrived. And, as Kaur said, this victory is “just the beginning.”
