Navi Mumbai: India clinched their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title on Sunday, defeating South Africa by 52 runs at DY Patil Stadium. Deepti Sharma, the star all-rounder, was named Player of the Tournament after a stellar campaign in which she scored 215 runs and claimed 22 wickets — the first player in ODI World Cup history, men’s or women’s, to achieve the double of 200+ runs and 20+ wickets in a single edition.
Sharma delivered a match-winning performance in the final, scoring a crucial half-century and taking a five-wicket haul, becoming the first player ever to score fifty and take five wickets in a World Cup final. She also dismissed South African skipper and centurion Laura Wolvaardt, breaking the record for most wickets by an Indian in a single World Cup edition.
Reflecting on her journey, Deepti said, “Honestly, this is feeling like a dream. It feels really nice that I could contribute this way in a World Cup final. I always enjoy whichever department or situation I am in. To perform as an all-rounder, it cannot be a more amazing feeling.”
The victory was historic in multiple ways. India became the first Women’s World Cup team to lift the trophy after losing three matches in the tournament, joining only Pakistan (1992) and England (2019) in the men’s game to achieve this feat. Deepti Sharma also set a new benchmark for India, topping the tournament’s wickets chart alongside legends like Lyn Fullston and Jackie Lord.
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt praised her team’s performance: “Couldn’t be prouder of this team. Played some brilliant cricket. It’s unfortunate to be on the losing side, but we’ll definitely grow from this as a group.”
Sharma dedicated her award and India’s maiden World Cup triumph to her parents, adding, “Thanks to the fans, this wouldn’t have been possible. A lot has changed since 2017, and I hope we get even more matches now.”
India’s historic win, built on calmness, team spirit, and Deepti Sharma’s exceptional all-round performance, marks a new high for women’s cricket in the country.
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