India rejoice in first Women's World Cup triumph as South Africa chase falls short

"At last, 50 years on from their debut on the world stage, India's dream came true: a maiden World Cup win, in front of a deafening full house in Navi Mumbai, as they defeated South Africa by 52 runs. Laura Wolvaardt struck a magnificent century, going back-to-back after her winning effort in the semi-final, but while she finished the tournament with a run-tally of 571 the most by any woman in a World Cup the ultimate prize belonged to India."

"There were two history-making heroes for India. The first was the unlikely figure of Shafali Verma, playing in this match only due to the ankle injury sustained by Pratika Rawal in the group stages, but who chimed in here with 87 from 78 balls and two wickets. Then, just as this final threatened to become a nail-biter, Deepti Sharma who herself had contributed 58 runs with the bat bowled the perfect yorker to bowl Annerie Dercksen, and followed it up with the key scalp of Wolvaardt as Amanjot Kaur ran round from deep midwicket to take a diving juggle-catch."

"For Amanjot it was third-time lucky with the catch: for India, third-time lucky in a World Cup final. For South Africa, though, the nightmare: after the despair of 2023 and 2024, another World Cup slipping through their fingers literally. Shafali and Deepti both contributed half-centuries, while Richa Ghosh struck 34 off 24 balls as India reached 298 for seven and yet all had offered up chances. Deepti reprieved herself via use of DRS on 19, overturning an incorrect on-field leg-before decision which replays showed was pitching outside leg."

India secured a maiden Women's World Cup title with a 52-run victory over South Africa in Navi Mumbai before a packed crowd. Laura Wolvaardt scored a century and finished the tournament with 571 runs, the highest by any woman in a World Cup. Shafali Verma contributed 87 from 78 balls and took two wickets after replacing an injured teammate. Deepti Sharma scored 58, overturned a wrong LBW via DRS, and bowled the decisive yorker to remove key batters. India posted 298 for seven, with Richa Ghosh adding a brisk 34 off 24, while South Africa suffered crucial dropped chances.

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