Shafali Verma scripted one of the greatest comeback stories in women’s cricket as India lifted their first-ever ICC ODI Women’s World Cup title with a thrilling 52-run win over South Africa in the final. Coming into the World Cup squad at the last moment ahead of the knockouts, Verma delivered a match-defining 87, her highest ODI score, and later followed it up with two crucial wickets to turn the contest in India’s favour.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma also produced a memorable performance, scoring a composed 58 and finishing with a five-wicket haul (5/39) to break South Africa’s chase and seal India’s historic victory.
India Post 298/7 After Shafali’s Statement Knock
Put into bat after rain delayed the start, India began aggressively. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana stitched a commanding century opening stand, helping India reach 45/0 in six overs, defying early seam movement. Verma continued to dominate, bringing up her fifty in style, before falling 13 short of a maiden ODI century.
Despite quick wickets in the middle overs, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh ensured India finished strongly. Ghosh’s clean striking, including a massive six early in her innings, pushed India towards a competitive total. Deepti’s composed fifty further guided India to 298/7, their third-highest ODI total without an individual hundred.
South Africa Fight, But India’s Bowling Strikes Back
Chasing 299, Laura Wolvaardt led South Africa’s reply with a brilliant 101, continuing her outstanding tournament form. However, India’s bowlers tightened control at key moments.
A direct hit from Amanjot Kaur ended Tazmin Brits’ stay, and Shree Charani sent Anneke Bosch packing for her third duck of the tournament. When South Africa rebuilt through Wolvaardt and Sune Luus, Harmanpreet Kaur introduced Shafali Verma, whose golden spell removed Luus and Marizanne Kapp in quick succession a turning point in the final.
Deepti Sharma then produced a sensational spell, dismissing Dercksen with a yorker, removing Wolvaardt just after her century, and trapping Chloe Tryon LBW, collapsing South Africa’s chase. She also claimed the final wicket, sealing her five-wicket haul and India’s historic triumph.
South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, finishing runners-up for the third straight time in ICC women’s tournaments.
Score Summary
India 298/7 (50 overs): Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58
South Africa 246 (45.3 overs): Laura Wolvaardt 101; Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36
India won by 52 runs
Historic Triumph for Indian Women’s Cricket
This landmark victory ends India’s long wait for a World Cup title and establishes the side among the elite in world cricket. The final will be remembered for Shafali Verma’s redemption arc, Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance, and a team performance defined by belief, composure, and fearlessness under pressure.