Eman 
ZeeaK 
Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma Drive India to Historic World Cup Title
India’s long, agonizing wait for a global title ended in triumph as the team secured their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup crown, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final in Navi Mumbai. The victory was orchestrated by stunning all-round performances from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, finally delivering closure for a team that had finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2017.
Innings 1: The Swashbuckling Foundation
After a rain delay postponed the start, India were asked to bat first and immediately shattered the consensus that bowling would dominate early. Opener Shafali Verma, who earned a late recall to the squad for the knockouts, played an innings of immense importance. The swashbuckling batter negated any early movement by advancing down the pitch and scoring rapidly.
Verma combined with Smriti Mandhana (45) for a commanding 104-run opening stand—only the second century partnership ever in a Women’s World Cup final. Verma reached her highest ODI score, a career-defining 87 off 78 balls, before her dismissal by Ayabonga Khaka.
Though South Africa briefly applied pressure, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh stabilized the middle order. Ghosh smashed her second ball for six, providing late momentum alongside Deepti, who reached a crucial 58 off 58 balls. India finished with a commanding total of 298/7—the second-highest score in a Women’s World Cup final.
Innings 2: Deepti and Shafali Turn the Screw
In the chase, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt played a heroic hand, guiding the innings past 200 and bringing up a magnificent century (101 off 98 balls). However, the match turned dramatically after the introduction of the unlikeliest of bowlers.
- Shafali Verma (2/36) delivered a match-winning spell with her part-time off-breaks, breaking the momentum by removing the well-set Sune Luus and the prized wicket of Marizanne Kapp in quick succession.
- Deepti Sharma then sealed the fate of the final with a devastating display of spin bowling. She removed Wolvaardt shortly after the century, and then tore through the lower order, finishing with a match-winning five-wicket haul (5/39)—becoming the first Indian woman to achieve a five-for in a World Cup final.
The Proteas’ chase ultimately crumbled under the relentless pressure from the Indian spinners, who bowled them out for 246, ensuring India lifted their long-awaited maiden world title. Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her monumental dual effort, while Deepti Sharma was crowned Player of the Tournament for her immense all-round consistency.
For more analysis, celebrations, and complete coverage of this historic moment in Indian cricket, visit the ultimate cricket destination: www.crickethighlights.online
image credits : cricbuzz
About the Author
