India clinch historic Women’s World Cup title; BCCI announces ₹51 crore reward
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New Delhi: India’s women’s cricket team captured their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup crown on Sunday night, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.
Batting first, India posted a formidable 298 for 7 in 50 overs, powered by Shafali Verma’s fluent 87 and Deepti Sharma’s composed 58. Smriti Mandhana contributed 45, while Richa Ghosh added 34. A century opening stand between Mandhana and Verma laid the foundation before South Africa fought back late to restrict India just under the 300-mark. Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming 3 for 58.
In reply, South Africa began strongly with a brisk fifty-run opening partnership between Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt. However, a sharp direct hit from Amanjot Kaur dismissed Brits, triggering a collapse. Young pacer Sree Charani struck in her first over, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW, while Shafali Verma turned the tide with a double strike, removing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.
Deepti Sharma then delivered a match-winning spell, taking 5 for 39 to dismantle South Africa’s middle order. Despite Wolvaardt’s valiant 101, the visitors were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
The victory sparked celebrations across the country, with BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announcing a ₹51 crore reward for the players and support staff. He hailed the win as a “monumental achievement” that would elevate Indian women’s cricket to new heights.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal echoed the sentiment, comparing the triumph to India’s iconic 1983 men’s World Cup win. “It’s a red-letter day for Indian women’s cricket,” he said. “What the men’s team achieved in 1983, the Indian women have recreated today in Mumbai.”
As the players embraced in tears and the tricolour soared high, the moment marked not just a World Cup win, but the dawn of a new era for women’s cricket in India.
(Inputs from IANS)