India Clinch Historic First ICC Women’s World Cup Title

New Delhi: In a landmark moment for Indian cricket, the national women’s team made history by winning their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday night.

Jubilant celebrations broke out across the country as India’s women cricketers achieved what generations had dreamed of. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a ₹51 crore cash reward for the team and support staff, describing the win as “a monumental achievement that will redefine the future of women’s cricket in India.”

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal praised the victory, comparing it to India’s iconic 1983 men’s World Cup triumph. “It’s a red-letter day for Indian women’s cricket. Just as 1983 transformed Indian cricket forever, this win will inspire millions of young girls to dream big and believe,” he said.

A Night of Grit, Glory, and Greatness

Opting to bat first, India posted a formidable 298/7. Shafali Verma dazzled with a fluent 87, Deepti Sharma anchored the innings with a steady 58, while Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34) chipped in valuable runs. A 100-run opening partnership between Mandhana and Verma gave India a strong platform before South Africa struck back in the death overs.

Chasing 299, South Africa began on a confident note as Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt added 50 runs for the first wicket. But a sharp run-out from Amanjot Kaur turned the momentum India’s way. Young pacer Sree Charani trapped Anneke Bosch LBW, while Shafali Verma shone with the ball too, claiming the key wickets of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.

Deepti Sharma then produced a sensational spell, finishing with 5 for 39 to crush South Africa’s resistance. Despite a brilliant 101 from Laura Wolvaardt, the Proteas were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India a famous victory.

As tears of joy flowed and the tricolour waved proudly, India’s women stood tall as world champions for the first time ever — marking the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket.

Brief Scores:

India: 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58)

South Africa: 246 all out in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36)

Result: India won by 52 runs.