- India Women beat South Africa by 52 runs to win their first ICC Women’s World Cup.
- Shafali Verma (87) and Deepti Sharma (5/39) starred in a dominant all-round show.
- Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, and global icons hailed Team India’s triumph.
- BCCI announced ₹51 crore reward for players and support staff.
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 3rd Nov: The night sky over Navi Mumbai glittered brighter than ever as India Women lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. In a thrilling final, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side defeated South Africa by 52 runs to script a golden chapter in Indian cricket history.
The emphatic win sparked nationwide celebrations, with Indian-origin business leaders and global icons joining millions in congratulating the “Women in Blue”. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella posted on X, “Women in Blue = World Champions! Respect to South Africa for making their first-ever final. A truly historic day for women’s cricket — new chapters written, barriers broken, legends born.”
Google CEO Sundar Pichai lauded the team’s grit and legacy, saying, “That was a nail-biting women’s World Cup cricket final, memories of 1983 and 2011 indeed. Congrats to team India, I’m sure it will inspire a whole generation. Great tournament from South Africa too.”
Batting first, India posted a commanding total of 298/7, thanks to a scintillating 87 from Shafali Verma, a composed 58 from Deepti Sharma, and key contributions from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34). The Mandhana-Verma opening stand of 100 runs set the tone for a dominant batting display.
In reply, South Africa began confidently with a 50-run partnership between Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, but Amanjot Kaur’s sharp direct hit triggered a collapse. Teen pacer Sree Charani struck in her first over, while Shafali Verma dismantled the middle order with two quick wickets.
Deepti Sharma’s remarkable spell of 5 for 39 sealed South Africa’s fate despite Wolvaardt’s valiant century (101). The Proteas were eventually bundled out for 246, handing India a 52-run victory and their first-ever World Cup crown in women’s cricket.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a ₹51 crore cash reward for the triumphant team and support staff, calling it a “historic milestone that will inspire generations to come.”
