Nita Ambani, who was in attendance and cheering for the Indian women’s cricket team as they scripted history by winning their first ever World Cup in Navi Mumbai, congratulated and thanked the team for bringing so much joy to the nation.
Mrs. Ambani said, “At the stroke of midnight, our girls have won the first ever ICC World Championship. I think you have made the whole nation swell with pride, the way you have played with courage, conviction and confidence. We are all so proud of you and I want to say thank you, thank you, dhanyavad and Jai Hind.”
<
Our Girls Have Made The Whole Nation Swell With Pride
India Women scripted history by clinching their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Sunday night.
The victory was powered by Deepti Sharma’s stellar all-round performance — a composed half-century and a sensational five-wicket haul that anchored India’s triumph.
After rain delayed the start, South Africa opted to bowl first. India’s openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana provided a flying start, stitching together a 104-run partnership. Player of the Match Shafali smashed 87 off 78 balls, hitting seven fours and two massive sixes. Her fluent strokeplay and aggressive intent set the tone before she was caught by Sune Luus at mid-off.
Deepti then took charge alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, adding 52 crucial runs for the fifth wicket. She reached her fifty with finesse, playing a mix of classy drives and powerful shots, including a six over deep mid-wicket off Marizanne Kapp. With 15 extras added, India posted a commanding 298/7 in 50 overs.
With the ball, Shafali continued to shine, removing Marizanne Kapp (4) and Sune Luus in quick succession to break South Africa’s rhythm. Her double strike earned her the tag of India’s “golden arm.”
Chasing 299, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt fought valiantly with a brilliant 101 off 98 balls — becoming only the second batter after Alyssa Healy (2022) to score centuries in both a semifinal and a final in the same World Cup edition. Tazmin Brits (23) and Annerie Dercksen (35) offered brief resistance, but India’s disciplined attack proved too strong.
Deepti Sharma turned the game decisively, claiming the wickets of Sinalo Jafta, Dercksen, Wolvaardt, Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk. The final blow came in the 46th over when Harmanpreet Kaur took a stunning catch at extra cover, sealing South Africa’s fate and sparking jubilant celebrations.
