But Deepti Sharma steadied the middle order
India’s women made cricketing history at the DY Patil Stadium, lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup after defeating South Africa by 52 runs.
In front of a roaring home crowd, the women in blue produced a complete performance to seal a victory years in the making.
For a side that had fallen painfully short in 2017 at Lord’s, this was redemption. It was the night Indian women’s cricket arrived on the biggest stage.
South Africa won the toss and chose to field, hoping to take advantage of evening dew after a short rain delay.
But India’s openers, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, were ready. They began confidently, racing to 100 before Mandhana edged Chloe Tryon for 45.
Verma, dropped on 55, punished South Africa for the mistake, striking cleanly until she fell for 87.
Jemimah Rodrigues, the semifinal hero, added 24 before being caught, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 20.
When both fell in quick succession, it threatened to derail India’s innings.
But Deepti Sharma steadied the middle order with a crucial 58. Richa Ghosh chipped in 34 late on, pushing India to 298 for 7.
South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka was their most effective bowler, taking 3 for 58. Despite a few quiet overs at the end, India’s total looked defendable, and soon proved to be.
South Africa’s chase began cautiously. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits added 50 before a brilliant throw from Amanjot Kaur ran out Brits for 23.
Anneke Bosch fell next, lbw to debutant Nallapureddy Charani.
Wolvaardt held firm, compiling a composed half-century as wickets tumbled around her. Suné Luus was dismissed for 25, and Marizanne Kapp managed only 4.
By the 30th over, South Africa were 150 for 5.
Wolvaardt pressed on, reaching her ninth ODI hundred off just 96 balls, keeping her side’s faint hopes alive. But when she mistimed a lofted shot off Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur made no mistake at deep mid-wicket.
Wolvaardt’s dismissal for 101 left South Africa reeling at 220-7.
Deepti struck again soon after, trapping Tryon lbw on review.
It was a historic night for her, as she became the first Indian bowler to claim four wickets in a Women’s World Cup final.
Only England’s Anya Shrubsole, who took 6 for 46 against India in 2017, has managed better.
South Africa’s lower order fought to extend the match. Nadine de Klerk swept bravely for boundaries and pushed for quick singles, but India’s bowlers stayed disciplined. Dot balls mounted as the required rate soared.
A sharp throw from Deepti Sharma ran out Khaka for 1, and Richa Ghosh completed the dismissal. Soon after, de Klerk’s resistance ended. She was caught off Renuka Singh for 27, sealing South Africa’s fate at 246 all out.
The crowd erupted. Players hugged, waved the tricolour, and sank to their knees in tears. Years of near misses had finally turned into a night of triumph.
As the confetti rained down, the scoreboard behind them told the story: India 298 for 7, South Africa 246 all out. After decades of waiting, the women in blue are finally world champions.
Loading ...