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India Clinch Maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup Title with Dominant Win Over South Africa

India created history on Sunday by securing their first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a commanding final. The victory was powered by outstanding all-round performances from Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma.<div><br></div><div>Opening batter Shafali Verma, drafted into the squad as an injury replacement for the final, delivered a sensational knock of 87 off 78 balls — her career-best — propelling the co-hosts to a formidable total of 298/7 in 50 overs after being put in to bat.</div><div><br></div><div>In response, South Africa fell short, bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the fight with a brilliant 101, but her dismissal effectively ended the chase. Deepti Sharma sealed the match in style, claiming the final wicket and finishing with exceptional figures of 5/39 in 9.3 overs.</div><div><br></div><div>“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” said India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, reflecting on the team’s breakthrough after two previous final defeats. “Now we want to make this a habit.”</div><div><br></div><div>India’s road to glory was anything but easy. They entered the semifinals as the last qualifying team but stunned defending champions Australia — seven-time winners — by five wickets. South Africa, meanwhile, reached their maiden final after a convincing 125-run win over England.</div><div><br></div><div>The triumph marks India’s first major women’s cricket title and makes Harmanpreet Kaur’s team the first new champions since New Zealand’s win in 2000, which ended the long-standing dominance of Australia and England.</div><div><br></div><div>A visibly elated Shafali Verma credited her clarity of mind for the standout performance. “I just focused on scoring runs today. My mind was clear,” said the 21-year-old.</div><div><br></div><div>Deepti Sharma also played a crucial role with the bat, scoring 58 — her third half-century of the tournament — helping India post the second-highest total ever in a World Cup final, behind Australia’s 356/5 in 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>Sharma’s stellar tournament performance earned her the Player of the Tournament award, finishing with 22 wickets and 215 runs in nine matches.</div><div><br></div><div>“I enjoyed contributing with both bat and ball,” Sharma said. “We stayed calm throughout. I dedicate this trophy to my parents.”</div><div><br></div><div>Despite the loss, Laura Wolvaardt’s consistency stood out. Her century in the final capped an exceptional campaign, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 571 runs at an average of 71.37.</div><div><br></div><div>Chasing a record 299, South Africa began cautiously under pressure from India’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh, but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with the required run rate.</div>