Navi Mumbai, Nov 2 (NationPress) Deepti Sharma showcased an outstanding all-round performance, scoring a vital fifty and taking five wickets as India triumphed over South Africa by 52 runs, securing their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup title at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, this victory marks India’s third World Cup title in ODIs, joining the ranks of Kapil Dev's 1983 squad and MS Dhoni's team from 2011, who both celebrated their victories at the nearby Wankhede Stadium.

Sharma’s impressive figures of 5-39 complemented her fighting score of 58, aiding India to reach 298/7 in their 50 overs. She then played a crucial role in dismantling South Africa, who were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, making India the third nation after England and Australia to clinch both the men's and women's ODI World Cup.

Shafali Verma contributed significantly, scoring 87 as India posted 298/7 and later claiming two wickets for 36 runs to stabilize the team during critical phases of the match when Wolvaardt threatened to lead South Africa with her resilient performance.

South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, fought valiantly but could not steer her team to victory. India, having faced a series of setbacks, including three consecutive losses, managed to secure their spot in the semifinals and ultimately shocked the world with their remarkable comeback.

Wolvaardt forged valuable partnerships, including a 61-run stand with Annerie Dercksen (35). However, India's determination shone through, with Deepti and Shafali stepping up to secure the historic title.

Earlier, Verma achieved her first ODI half-century in three years while Deepti secured her third half-century of the tournament, propelling India to a score of 298/7, despite rain delays that postponed the final by two hours.

Shafali, the youngest player to score a fifty in a World Cup final at 21, dazzled with a powerful 87-run innings after returning to the ODI team following a year-long absence, forming a century partnership with Smriti Mandhana (45). Although South Africa attempted to rein in the scoring during the middle overs, Deepti's steady contribution was vital in pushing India closer to the 300-run mark.

India's innings started brightly with the seasoned duo of Shafali and Mandhana amassing 100 runs for the opening wicket, marking a significant milestone of 1000 runs in partnership as openers, making them the fourth Indian pair to achieve this feat.

Shafali, who stepped in for the injured Pratika Rawal before the semifinals, began aggressively, hitting seven fours and two sixes in her 78-ball innings. She struck a boundary off Ayabonga Khaka in the second over, quickly establishing momentum. Shafali reached her fifty off just 49 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six, which was the first of the final off Nadine de Klerk.

Mandhana, who initially struggled, found her rhythm but departed for 45 runs off 58 balls, including eight boundaries.

Young Shafali was fortunate to survive a dropped catch by Anneke Bosch when she was on 57, but she eventually fell short of her maiden century, succumbing to Khaka’s bowling after a commendable 87.

Deepti then assumed responsibility for reviving the Indian innings, supported by Richa Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur, enabling the team to post a competitive total.

Brief Scores: India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 54, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3-58) defeated 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.