Mumbai, November 3: Hosts India have made history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title. In the final match held on Sunday night, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to lift the prestigious trophy.
Chasing a target of 299 runs, South Africa were bowled out for 246 runs in 45.3 overs. Laura Wolvaardt was the standout performer for South Africa, scoring a brilliant 101 runs off 98 balls, including 11 fours and a six. Anneke Bosch contributed 35, Sune Luus 25, Tazmin Brits 23, Nadine de Klerk 18, and Sinalo Jafta 16 runs, but their efforts weren’t enough to secure victory.
For India, Deepti Sharma was the star with the ball, taking five wickets, while Shafali Verma claimed two and Shreyanka Patil took one.
Earlier, after losing the toss and being invited to bat first at Mumbai, India posted a strong total of 298/7 in 50 overs. Shafali Verma top-scored with a brilliant 87 runs off 78 balls, smashing 7 fours and 2 sixes. Deepti Sharma added 58, Smriti Mandhana scored 45, Richa Ghosh made 34, Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 24, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur scored 20, and Amanjot Kaur chipped in with 12 runs.
For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka took three wickets, while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon claimed one wicket each.
It was a night to remember in Mumbai, a historic triumph for Indian women’s cricket as they lifted the Women’s World Cup trophy for the very first time.
