The Indian Women's Cricket Team has crafted history by conquering South Africa in the ICC Women's One Day World Cup final, bringing this coveted trophy home for the first time. Entering their third World Cup final in the 52-year history of the tournament, the Harman-led brigade finally clinched the title.
Setting a formidable target of 299 in the first innings, thanks to brilliant fifties from Shafali and Deepti, the South African team fell short, getting bowled out at 246. Deepti Sharma was the star bowler, taking five crucial wickets.
The thrilling match took place at the DY Patil Stadium. Team India's batting prowess was on full display as they scored 298, led by Shafali's 87 and Deepti's supportive 58. Despite their efforts, South Africa couldn't keep up in the chase.
The South African innings in detail
As they faced the 299 target, captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits spearheaded the opening, taking the score past 50 by the 9th over. But in the 10th over, the momentum shifted when Amanjot Kaur's quick reflexes ran out Brits for 23, leaving South Africa at 52-1. Sri Charani delivered the next blow in the 12th over by dismissing Bosch without a run. By the 18th over, South Africa had crossed the hundred mark, but Shefali disrupted their partnership in the 21st over by taking Luss out for 25. She continued her excellent bowling performance in the 23rd over against Marizanne Kapp, who made only 4 runs.
Deepti kept up the pressure in the 30th over, taking the fifth wicket by sending Jafta back to the pavilion on 16 runs. Her fierce bowling continued into the 40th over, with the dismissal of Annerie Dirkson for 35. The crowning achievement came in the 42nd over when Deepti stunned the South African team by nabbing their captain Laura, who left after a stellar century. The very same over saw Tryon departing the field, sealing South Africa's fate. Throughout this match, Deepti Sharma's indomitable spirit was unyielding, claiming an astounding five wickets plus orchestrating a vital run-out, confining South Africa to a total of 246 runs.
Source: aajtak
The Indian innings began with a bang
The Indian team, batting first, began with a thunderous start. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana opened the innings, punishing the South African bowlers from the get-go. The duo wasted no time, clearing the fifty mark by the 7th over and reaching a century by the 17.2 overs mark. Mandhana made a skilful 45 before being dismissed, marking India's first wicket fall. But Jemimah and Shafali carried the fight forward, taking the score beyond 150 in the 25th over. Yet, in the 28th over, Shafali's innings ended at an impressive 87. Jemimah followed her to the pavilion in the 30th over, having contributed 24 runs.
After 35 overs, India's score surged past 200. However, the fall of captain Harmanpreet's wicket at a 20-run mark in the 40th over was a slight hiccup. The setback didn't deter India, as Amanjot Kaur succumbed after scoring 12 in the 44th over. Then came the moment of brilliance by Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh, setting the stage on fire, with Deepti crafting a mesmerizing fifty. Unfortunately, Richa Ghosh succumbed in the 49th over after crafting a solid 34, but by then, India had set a towering goal of 299 against South Africa. Deepti secured 58 robust runs to her name.
India Women's Playing XI:
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaur, Sri Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur
South Africa's Playing XI:
Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wicketkeeper), Annerie Dirkson, Chloe Tryon, Nadine De Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
India Creates History
Previously, the Indian women's team reached the finals in 2005 and 2017. South Africa reached their first final this year. In 2005, India faced a 98-run defeat against Australia, and in 2017, England claimed victory over India by nine runs in the final. But this time, history has been rewritten as the Indian team captures the title for the first time.
Women's One Day World Cup Champions Over the Years
England secured victory over Australia to clinch the inaugural Women's World Cup with points.
Australia triumphed over England to take the title based on points.
Australia edged out England by 3 wickets (Christchurch).
Australia outplayed England by 8 wickets (Melbourne).
England defeated New Zealand by a 67-run margin to seize the trophy (Lords).
Australia achieved victory over New Zealand by 5 wickets (Kolkata).
New Zealand emerged victorious over Australia by 4 runs, winning their first title (Lincoln, New Zealand).
Australia overpowered India by a margin of 98 runs (SuperSport Park, South Africa).
England overcame New Zealand by 4 wickets (North Sydney).
Australia vanquished West Indies by 114 runs (Brabourne, Mumbai).
England toppled India by 9 runs (Lords).
Australia triumphed over England by 71 runs (Christchurch).
India surpassed South Africa by 52 runs.
