New Delhi, Nov 3 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the nationwide celebration of India’s first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, commending the team’s determination and talent after their thrilling 52-run victory against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister expressed, “A remarkable success by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance showcased incredible skill and confidence. The team exhibited outstanding teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament. Kudos to our players. This groundbreaking victory will inspire future champions to pursue sports.”

It was truly a collective team effort that propelled India to their inaugural Women’s World Cup title, concluding a long-standing quest for international glory before an enthusiastic home crowd.

The turning point in the match was the dismissal of South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt in the 42nd over, followed by Chloe Tryon’s wicket, effectively sealing the game’s outcome. The Proteas found themselves down to eight wickets with 78 runs still needed off 48 balls, and despite a late effort from Nadine de Klerk, India managed to bowl out South Africa for 246 in just 45.3 overs to make history.

Shafali Verma made a significant impact with the ball in the final, claiming two wickets in quick succession to decisively shift the momentum towards India. She took out Sune Luus in her first over and then dismissed the dangerous Marizanne Kapp, tightening India's hold before Sinalo Jafta fell as the fifth wicket.

Earlier, India’s breakthrough came from a brilliant fielding moment by Amanjot Kaur, whose direct hit from mid-off resulted in the run-out of Tazmin Brits at the non-striker’s end. Brits and Wolvaardt had formed a quick fifty-run opening partnership during the powerplay, providing South Africa a solid foundation.

Debutant Sree Charani then trapped Anneke Bosch LBW in her first over. Despite early setbacks, Wolvaardt maintained her excellent form, achieving her 39th ODI fifty, and along with Luus, propelled South Africa past 100 to keep the chase alive.

However, captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to bring Shafali Verma into the attack proved to be a masterstroke. The young all-rounder’s two wickets dismantled the middle order of South Africa, turning the match firmly in India’s favor.

India’s batting brilliance sets the tone.

Earlier in the match, India scored 298/7 in 50 overs — the second-highest total in a Women’s ODI World Cup final. A commanding opening partnership of 100 runs between Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma (87) laid down a solid foundation. At 223 for 3, India seemed poised for a score exceeding 320 before South Africa made a comeback in the final overs to restrict them to just under 300.

Deepti Sharma (58) anchored the innings through the middle overs, while Richa Ghosh contributed a brisk 34 to provide late momentum. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka impressed with figures of 3 for 58, while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon each took a wicket.

Brief scores: India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3-58) defeated South Africa 246/10 in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5-39, Shafali Verma 2-36)

India triumphed by 52 runs.