INDIA WINS WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FOR FIRST TIME

India clinched their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title with a dominant 52-run win over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

The hosts powered to 298/7, thanks to Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 and Deepti Sharma’s composed 58.

In reply, South Africa managed 246 in 45.3 overs, captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the fight with a brilliant 101 before running out of support.

Verma’s all-round brilliance proved decisive, and her quick strikes with the ball derailed South Africa’s chase after Deepti had already done the damage with a match-winning 5/39.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s side kept their composure throughout, seizing control in the middle overs and never letting the Proteas back in. The win capped a flawless campaign that saw India avenge past heartbreaks and finally lift the trophy they’d chased for so long.

For South Africa, the loss stung, but the achievement was immense. Reaching their first World Cup final marked a milestone for the Proteas, with Wolvaardt ending the tournament as its top run-scorer and the team earning widespread respect for their grit and consistency.

As the confetti fell in Navi Mumbai, India celebrated not just a title, but a statement: The new powerhouse of women’s cricket has arrived.

Image credit: The Hindu