India’s women’s national team captured their first ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title, beating South Africa by 52 runs in a rain‑delayed final held at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. The win capped a historic campaign that had seen India finish as runners‑up in 2005 and 2017, finally crossing the threshold after a grueling series of matches.
Key moments came from a brilliant 87 by Shafali Verma, who also took two wickets, and Deepti Sharma’s blistering 58 combined with a memorable five‑wicket haul. Those performances helped India secure the victory in front of a packed crowd and a packed stadium that made the moment feel truly monumental.
Former fast bowler Jhulan Goswami, who played for India from 1997, shared her feelings on JioStar. “This is an immensely emotional moment for the entire women’s cricket community. Since 1973, we’ve waited for this, reaching finals twice but never crossing the line. This time, our girls completed the journey and brought the cup home,” she said. Goswami recalled watching Belinda Clark’s victory lap as a ball girl, which sparked her dream of winning for India. “The way they fought throughout the tournament is incredible, and any praise feels insufficient for their monumental achievement,” she added.
The win also means a turning point for women’s cricket in a cricket‑mad country. Goswami said the triumph will inspire countless young athletes and expand opportunities for women across India. “When children witness such historic moments, they begin following their heroes and dreaming of becoming professional cricketers,” she said.
Coaching and leadership played a key role. Head coach Amol Muzumdar and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur built a competitive culture that helped the squad stay calm and focused, especially after a three‑match losing streak that almost jeopardised their campaign. You can see the impact of this culture when Harmanpreet kept her cool during the tight chase in the final, maintaining strategic control and guiding key partnerships.
Former captain Anjum Chopra echoed this sentiment, calling the victory “the beginning of a bright future” for Indian women’s cricket. She urged the team to build on this success and push for titles in all formats. “We have only scratched the surface of our potential. As Australia and England target us now, we must keep advancing,” she said.
India’s triumph is more than a trophy— it marks a landmark moment for women’s cricket in India, igniting hope and inspiration for the next generation of players.
Source: ianslive
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