India’s agonising wait for a maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup title finally came to an end as Harmanpreet Kaur and her teary-eyed teammates clinched the historic trophy by defeating South Africa in a dramatic final at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
Their 52-run victory before a full house marked the perfect culmination of a campaign that was nearly derailed after three consecutive defeats, including one against South Africa, in the league phase.
Kaur’s resilient side pulled off a record chase in their semi-final against defending champions Australia, securing a place in the final against a South African team also eyeing their first-ever 50-over World Cup title.
India found an unlikely hero in Shafali Verma, whose whirlwind 87 runs powered India to a total of 298-7, though at one stage, 350 looked within reach. Verma also showcased her bowling prowess, taking two quick wickets that changed the momentum of the match after South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt (101) anchored a strong reply with her second consecutive century of the tournament.
Verma was deservedly named Player of the Match in the final — an incredible feat considering she was only drafted into the squad before the knockout stage as a late injury replacement.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma was equally outstanding, smashing a run-a-ball 58 and taking 5-39 with the ball. The 28-year-old finished the World Cup with 22 wickets and 215 runs, earning her the Player of the Tournament award.
Despite Wolvaardt’s valiant efforts, South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246 in the 46th over, handing India a memorable and emotional win.
India opener Smriti Mandhana, the team’s leading scorer in the tournament, summed up the moment of triumph, saying it was a long-awaited redemption after two previous final defeats.
Wolvaardt ended the competition as the tournament’s top scorer, though her personal success brought little consolation after South Africa’s defeat.
(Source: Reuters)
