Women’s World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana Recreates Kohli-Rohit Iconic World Cup Pose
Harmanpreet Kaur breaks down in Smriti Mandhana’s arms as India beat South Africa to win their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in Navi Mumbai.
Tears, relief, and pure joy, that’s what filled the DY Patil Stadium on a night that will go down in Indian cricket history.
As the final wicket fell and India sealed a 52-run win over South Africa, captain Harmanpreet Kaur collapsed into Smriti Mandhana’s arms, overcome by emotion.
The packed crowd in Navi Mumbai rose to its feet, cheering as India finally lifted their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup.
Under the floodlights, years of heartbreak flashed before every Indian fan’s eyes, from the near misses in 2005, 2017, and 2020.
But this time, Harmanpreet’s team didn’t let it slip. They played with calm, heart, and belief, turning decades of dreams into reality.
The emotional moment between Harmanpreet and Mandhana quickly went viral, with fans comparing it to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s embrace after India’s T20 World Cup win in Barbados earlier this year.
India’s road to victory was powered by two stars, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma. Shafali gave the hosts a flying start with a blistering 87 off 78 balls, while Mandhana supported her with a steady 44. Their opening stand of 104 runs set the tone for a big total.
Deepti Sharma then took charge with both bat and ball. Her composed 58 and crucial five-wicket haul (5 for 39) ensured India never lost control of the game. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt fought bravely with a century, but her dismissal ended all hopes for the visitors.
