India won the Women’s Cricket World Cup after defeating South Africa

The history of India was written on Sunday night when they won their first-ever Women world cup by sweeping South Africa by a margin of 52 runs, at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Supported by both brilliant performances by Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, the hosts put in a team performance through to the end to finally win the trophy that had been evading them decades long.

Being requested to start batting first in case of a rain delayed start, India made a flying start. Verma and Smriti Mandhana (openers) formed an excellent partnership of 104 runs which gave the innings an opening. The best scorer of the tournament Mandhana, India, had an easy knock of 45 and was thrown out by the spin of Chloe Tryon.

Verma who had taken over injured Pratika Rawal before the knockout stage was in fine form. She hit 49 out of 50 balls and proceeded to hit 87 out of 78 balls with seven 4s and two sixes. Her fierce hitting placed India on the path of the huge total before Ayabonga Khaka, the most efficient bowler of South Africa, scored three wickets at 58 runs.

Even though India lost momentum during the last overs, it was able to record a good score of 298/7. Deepti Sharma came in with another significant 58, Richa Ghosh with a fast 34, secured the deal.

The pursuit of South Africa started on a good note with captain Laura Wolvaardt in front. She hit a magnificent century of 101 out of 96 balls, and formed important alliances with Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus. Nonetheless, bowlers of India became more restrictive as the game went.

Verma was a part-time spinner who covertly hit two fours in a surprise attack leading to the break of the middle order of South Africa and giving India the upper hand in the match. Thenceforth, it all revolved around Deepti Sharma who finished off with a for-to-remember all round performance 5/39. South Africa was defeated by Amanjot Kaur, who caught Wolvaardt in the 42 nd over, after a slight juggle.

India would later roll out the visitors to 246 in 45.3 overs and there was wild celebrations in the stadium. The triumph places India at the top of the list of Women world cup winners that now include Australia, England, and New Zealand.

It was the night that Indian cricketing fans will be able to remember as it was a dream years long to be finally fulfilled, and a new page written in the history of women cricketing.

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