India captured their first Women's World Cup championship on Sunday night with a 52-run victory against South Africa at DY Patil Stadium, as Deepti Sharma's five-wicket performance anchored the triumph before enthusiastic supporters. The hosts posted 298 for seven in their innings before dismissing the Proteas for 246 in 45.3 overs.
Shafali Verma powered India to 87 runs while opening, helping establish a century partnership with Smriti Mandhana, who contributed 45. Sharma added 54 in the middle order as Richa Ghosh provided late acceleration with 34. Ayabonga Khaka led South Africa's bowling attack with three wickets for 58 runs.
Chasing nearly 300, South Africa started briskly through Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits during the power play before Amanjot Kaur executed a direct-hit runout. Wolvaardt reached her 39th ODI half-century and eventually scored 101, but Verma's double strike removed Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp to shift momentum. Sharma claimed five for 39 as India dismissed Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon in the 42nd over, effectively ending the contest with eight wickets down and 78 runs still required from 48 deliveries. Nadine de Klerk's late resistance proved insufficient.
Shafali Verma powered India to 87 runs while opening, helping establish a century partnership with Smriti Mandhana, who contributed 45. Sharma added 54 in the middle order as Richa Ghosh provided late acceleration with 34. Ayabonga Khaka led South Africa's bowling attack with three wickets for 58 runs.
Chasing nearly 300, South Africa started briskly through Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits during the power play before Amanjot Kaur executed a direct-hit runout. Wolvaardt reached her 39th ODI half-century and eventually scored 101, but Verma's double strike removed Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp to shift momentum. Sharma claimed five for 39 as India dismissed Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon in the 42nd over, effectively ending the contest with eight wickets down and 78 runs still required from 48 deliveries. Nadine de Klerk's late resistance proved insufficient.
