Did India Make History with a Stunning Victory Over South Africa to Secure Their First Women’s World Cup Title?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter, India claimed their maiden Women's ODI World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs. Deepti Sharma was the star of the match, excelling with both bat and ball. This landmark victory positions India alongside the elite nations in women's cricket history. Discover how the match unfolded and the key moments that led to this historic win.
Key Takeaways
- Deepti Sharma led with a stunning all-round performance.
- India achieved their first Women's ODI World Cup title.
- The team overcame a rough start in the tournament.
- South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt scored a commendable century.
- India joins the elite group of nations with dual ODI World Cup titles.
Navi Mumbai, Nov 3 (NationPress) Deepti Sharma showcased an extraordinary all-round performance, scoring a pivotal fifty and taking five wickets as India triumphed over South Africa by 52 runs, clinching their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup title at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
Sharma's brilliant figures of 5-39 came after her resilient score of 58, propelling India to a total of 298/7 in their 50 overs. The Indian team then bowled out South Africa for 246 in just 45.3 overs, marking a momentous victory that places them among the elite, joining England and Australia as the only nations to have won both men's and women's ODI World Cups.
Despite Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa's captain, putting up a valiant effort, the Indian squad, rejuvenated after earlier setbacks, delivered a stunning performance. Having lost three consecutive matches, they squeezed into the semifinals as the last team, but went on to defeat Australia and subsequently South Africa to achieve glory.
The match began slowly for South Africa, with Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits reaching 52/1 during the Power-play. Wolvaardt struck Amanjot Kaur for back-to-back boundaries, while Brits launched a six off Renuka Singh in the seventh over.
Amanjot provided the initial breakthrough, executing a direct hit to run out Brits, who had scored 23 off 35 balls. The opening pair had established a 50-run partnership.
Anneke Bosch was dismissed for a duck, trapped LBW by Shree Charani, leaving South Africa at 62/2 shortly after the Power-play.
Wolvaardt received support from Sune Luus, and they surpassed the 100 mark before Luus fell to a return catch from Shafali Verma, who was brought in strategically by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Luus scored 25 off 31 balls.
Shafali struck again, dismissing the dangerous Marizanne Kapp for four, leaving South Africa at 123/4 in the 23rd over.
Wolvaardt fought on, expertly dealing with the Indian spinners while scoring briskly. She struck a six off Deepti Sharma and collected boundaries off Radha Yadav, reaching her half-century with a total of 50 runs off 45 balls, marking her fifth fifty of the tournament.
She then partnered with Annerie Dercksen, rebuilding South Africa's innings and keeping their hopes alive for the title. The Indian spinners maintained pressure during the middle overs, while Wolvaardt accumulated runs cautiously.
A missed chance by Deepti Sharma allowed Dercksen to contribute 24 runs off 21 balls before they added 61 runs for the sixth wicket, passing the 200-run mark. However, a superb delivery from Sharma ended Dercksen's innings at 35 off 27 balls.
Wolvaardt completed her second consecutive century, following her impressive 169 against England in the semifinals. Her century came off 95 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and one six.
Sharma then struck twice, first dismissing Wolvaardt (101) and then trapping Chloe Tryon LBW for nine runs, with South Africa at 221/8 and facing defeat.
India showed rare lapses in concentration, with a few dropped chances, but Sharma secured her five-wicket haul by removing Nadine de Klerk for 18 runs. South Africa was all out for 246, giving India their first World Cup victory, igniting jubilant celebrations in the stadium.
Brief Scores: India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 54, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3-58) beat South Africa 246 all out in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5-39, Shafali Verma 2-36) by 52 runs.
Point of View
I reflect on this momentous occasion for Indian women's cricket. This victory not only marks a pivotal point in our sporting history but also demonstrates the resilience and skill of our players. The journey to the final was challenging, yet the team displayed unwavering determination, embodying the spirit of Indian cricket. We stand proud, celebrating this landmark achievement.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the standout player in the final?
Deepti Sharma was the standout player, scoring 58 runs and taking 5 wickets.
What was the final score of the match?
India scored 298 runs, and South Africa was bowled out for 246 runs.
Where did the final take place?
The final was held at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
How did India qualify for the semifinals?
India qualified for the semifinals as the last team after facing three consecutive losses.
Which teams have won both men's and women's ODI World Cups?
Only England, Australia, and India have won both men's and women's ODI World Cups.
