New Delhi, Nov 3 (NationPress) In a historic milestone for Indian cricket, the women’s national team has made history by securing their inaugural ICC Women’s World Cup title, overcoming South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final held at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday night.

Nationwide celebrations erupted as BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a ₹51 crore reward for the players and support staff, celebrating the victory as a “remarkable achievement that will elevate Indian women’s cricket to unprecedented heights.”

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal praised this historic accomplishment, likening it to India’s legendary 1983 men’s World Cup victory.

“Today marks a significant moment for Indian women’s cricket. What the men’s team achieved in 1983, the women have replicated today in Mumbai. This monumental victory will provide a substantial boost to women’s cricket in India, and I am confident that our sport will now achieve new milestones,” Dhumal remarked to IANS.

Batting first, India set a formidable target of 298/7, with Shafali Verma scoring a stylish 87, Deepti Sharma contributing a steady 58, and significant inputs from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34). A solid opening partnership of 100 runs between Mandhana and Verma laid the foundation for a substantial score, although South Africa made a late comeback to restrict India just under the 300-run mark.

In response, South Africa started strongly with Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt forging a quick fifty-run opening partnership. However, a precise direct hit from Amanjot Kaur dismissed Brits, allowing India to take control of the match.

Young pacer Sree Charani struck in her debut over, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW, before Shafali Verma also made her mark with the ball, taking out Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in rapid succession.

Deepti Sharma delivered an outstanding performance, claiming 5 for 39 to dismantle South Africa’s middle order. Despite Wolvaardt’s commendable 101, the Proteas fell short, bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as India celebrated a 52-run victory amid enthusiastic home support.

As the tricolor flew proudly and the players embraced in tears of joy, this moment signified not just a World Cup conquest but the beginning of a new chapter for Indian women’s cricket.

Brief Scores:

India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, 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.