India crowned Women’s ODI World Champions

After finishing runners-up twice before, India finally triumphed in their third attempt, clinching their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title.

On Sunday evening in Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side made history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs, thanks to outstanding all-round performances from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma.

For both India and South Africa, this was a golden opportunity to make history, as neither team had previously won the coveted title. Under Mithali Raj, India had twice finished runners-up, while the Proteas reached their first-ever ODI final this year.

South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, had lost two T20 World Cup finals in the past, and Sunday’s defeat once again revived their “chokers” tag.

Rain delayed the start of the final in Navi Mumbai by several hours. Batting first, India posted a formidable 298 for 7 — the second-highest total in a Women’s World Cup final. South Africa, who had never chased more than 275 runs in an ODI, were tasked with rewriting history but faltered as their middle and lower order collapsed, bowled out for 246. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s century (101), her effort went in vain, echoing the heartbreak of the semi-final.