[By Devansh Desai Mumbai Samachar Sports Desk]
In a performance that will be remembered for generations, Shafali Verma inspired India to their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title with a stellar all-round show in the 2025 final, reported. Making a late entry into the squad just ahead of the knockout rounds, Verma rose to the occasion with a match-defining 87 her highest score in One-Day Internationals and later chipped in with vital wickets to script one of Indian cricket’s greatest comeback stories.
India’s long-anticipated world title finally arrived as they defeated South Africa by 52 runs, denying the Proteas their first crown and marking their third successive runner-up finish in ICC women’s tournaments. Deepti Sharma, who was named Player of the Tournament, complemented Verma’s heroics with a composed half-century and an exceptional five-wicket haul.
Batting first after a rain-delayed start, India posted a commanding 298 for 7 — their third-highest ODI total without a century. The opening pair provided a solid foundation with a century stand, setting the tone before South Africa tightened their line. Verma’s aggressive intent helped India accelerate early, while Smriti Mandhana’s fluent stroke play kept the crowd buzzing. Though Chloe Tryon broke the partnership by dismissing Mandhana, Verma continued her dominance, reaching her fifty with authority.
Despite losing both Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues in quick succession, India’s middle order rebuilt confidently through Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma. Their partnership steadied the innings until Harmanpreet’s dismissal threatened momentum. The finishing touch came from the duo of Deepti and Richa Ghosh, who added critical runs late in the innings, guiding India close to the 300-mark before South Africa contained the damage in the final overs.
In reply, South Africa’s chase began with early struggles as India’s new-ball bowlers kept runs in check. Laura Wolvaardt once again led from the front, finding rhythm with crisp boundaries, while Tazmin Brits supported her until a direct hit from Amanjot Kaur broke the stand. When Shree Charani trapped Anneke Bosch for a third consecutive duck, India seized early control.
Post the initial setbacks, Wolvaardt and Sune Luus revived the chase briefly. Wolvaardt crossed 500 tournament runs and brought up another fifty, but Harmanpreet’s move to bowl Verma turned the game’s tide. Verma dismissed Luus with her second delivery and removed Marizanne Kapp soon after, stunning the South African camp.
Deepti Sharma then took charge, dismantling the middle order with surgical precision. Her pinpoint yorkers and variation in pace left the batters helpless. Despite a fleeting counterattack from Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk, the resistance faded once Deepti dismissed Wolvaardt for a century. Deepti’s five-wicket haul sealed South Africa’s collapse at 246 in 45.3 overs.
India’s victory a first-ever World Cup crown capped off a historic night that showcased grit, depth, and belief. As fireworks lit up the home crowd, Shafali and Deepti stood as the faces of a new era for Indian women’s cricket.
-
-
-
-
