Rama Krishna Sangem
Women cricket in India will never be the same again from November 2 midnight. What can be called a Game-changer moment for Indian cricket, the national women’s team etched their name in history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a pulsating final at the DY Patil Stadium on November 2 midni9ght.
Celebrations erupted across the country as BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a Rs 51 crore reward for the players and support staff, hailing the victory as a “monumental achievement that will take Indian women’s cricket to a new level.” IPL chairman Arun Dhumal lauded the team’s historic feat, drawing parallels with India’s iconic 1983 men’s World Cup triumph.
“It’s a red-letter day for Indian women’s cricket. What the men’s team achieved in 1983, the Indian women have recreated today in Mumbai. This historic triumph will give a tremendous boost to women’s cricket in the country, and I’m confident our game will now reach new heights,” Dhumal told IANS.
Shefali, Deepti won accolades
Earlier, batting first, India posted a commanding 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma’s fluent 87, Deepti Sharma’s composed 58, and valuable contributions from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34). A solid 100-run opening stand between Mandhana and Verma set the platform for a big total before South Africa clawed back late to keep India just under the 300-mark.
Chasing 299, South Africa began confidently as Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt put together a brisk fifty-run opening partnership. But a sharp direct hit from Amanjot Kaur ended Brits’ stay, and from there, India seized control of the contest.
Young pacer Sree Charani struck in her first over, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW, before Shafali Verma – shining with the ball as well – produced a game-turning spell, removing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in quick succession.
Deepti Sharma then delivered a dream performance, claiming 5 for 39 to crush South Africa’s middle order. Despite Wolvaardt’s fighting 101, the Proteas fell short, bundled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as India sealed a famous 52-run victory amid roaring home support.
As the tricolour soared high and the players embraced in tears of joy, the moment marked not just a World Cup triumph – but the dawn of a new era for Indian women’s cricket.
What touched the hears of those who watched the match both in the stadium and on TV and digital media was the presence of Mithali Raj who couldn’t won the cup twice in the past. She warmly hugged the winner teammates and even lifted the coveted cup as a matter of pride. Veteran cricketers like Gavaskar, Sachin, Rohit, among others too cheered the women cricketer as they made history in Mumbai.
