By Maryjane Austine
India Outclass South Africa to Clinch Women’s World Cup Title
After a rain-delayed start, India powered to an impressive total — the second-highest ever in a Women’s World Cup final — before sealing a commanding win over South Africa to claim the title.
Put in to bat, India looked set for an even bigger score after reaching 151 for one at the halfway mark, but they eventually fell just short of the 300-run mark. Opener Smriti Mandhana’s 45 capped off a stellar tournament, taking her tally to 434 runs — the most by an Indian batter in a single World Cup, surpassing Mithali Raj’s 409 from the 2017 edition.
However, it was her opening partner, Shafali Verma, who stole the spotlight with a blistering 87 off 78 balls. Deepti Sharma added valuable support with a run-a-ball 58, while Richa Ghosh provided late fireworks, smashing two sixes in a quickfire 34 off 24 deliveries.
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Chasing the target, South Africa made a solid start, with their openers reaching fifty in the 10th over. But the breakthrough came when Tazmin Brits was run out by Amanjot Kaur for 23, triggering a collapse. Anneke Bosch was trapped by Sree Charani after a six-ball duck, and Verma made further inroads with the ball, removing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp to leave South Africa struggling at 123 for four in the 23rd over.
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When Sinalo Jafta departed in the 30th over with the score at 148 for five, South Africa’s hopes of a comeback began to fade. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s resistance, India’s bowlers maintained control to ensure a memorable triumph.
The victory marked a historic moment for India’s women, who went one better than their male counterparts — avenging the men’s 2023 World Cup heartbreak against Australia with a dominant performance on home soil.
