India Create History, Lift Maiden ICC Women’s World Cup with 52-Run Win Over South Africa

India scripted history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a rain-hit final packed with emotion, drama, and brilliant performances.

Shafali Verma delivered a career-defining performance, scoring 87 runs — her highest ODI score — and later picking key wickets to turn the match India’s way. Her fearless batting set the tone for the innings and her timely breakthroughs with the ball sealed the deal.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali gave India a dream start with a century opening stand, frustrating the South African bowlers who tried every trick to break the rhythm. After their dismissal, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh kept the scoreboard ticking, helping India post 298 for 7, their third-highest ODI total without an individual hundred.

Deepti Sharma, who was later named Player of the Tournament, played a complete game. She struck 58 runs with the bat and followed it up with a stunning five-wicket haul, making her the standout performer of the night.

South Africa began the chase confidently, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s classy century. Wolvaardt crossed the 500-run mark in the tournament, continuing her fine form. But despite her brilliance, India’s bowlers held their nerves and fielders backed them up with sharp catches and direct hits.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s bold move to hand the ball to Shafali proved crucial as she dismissed key batters to shift momentum. From there, Deepti took charge, cleaning up the middle and lower order. South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, ending as runners-up in a women’s ICC event for the third straight time.

The packed home crowd roared with joy as India celebrated their long-awaited triumph. For Shafali Verma, who has faced ups and downs in her young career, this was the ultimate redemption — a performance that will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in women’s cricket.