By Prakash Nair 
Navi Mumbai, November 2: It finally happened. After years of “almost,” the Indian women’s cricket team is world champions. At the DY Patil Stadium, in front of a sea of flags and tears, India beat South Africa by 52 runs to win their first ICC Women’s World Cup. The sound when the last wicket fell could’ve cracked glass.
They Batted Like It Was Meant To Be
From the first over, it felt different. Shafali Verma didn’t wait around; she went straight at the bowlers, fearless, every shot louder than the last. Eighty-seven runs off 78 balls, and she made it look easy. Smriti Mandhana did what she always does: smooth, calm, perfect timing. She made 45, enough to pass Mithali Raj’s World Cup record, though she barely noticed.
Then came Deepti Sharma. She played like a metronome, 58 runs, holding the innings together. When it was her turn to bowl, she tore South Africa apart. Five for 39, the kind of spell you remember for decades.
South Africa had their moment too. Laura Wolvaardt was brilliant, 101 full of class and control. For a while, she had everyone scared. But once Deepti got her, the chase crumbled. All out for 246 in 45.3 overs, and that was it.
The Wait, The Weight, The Release
India has experienced heartbreak before, in 2005 and 2017. Harmanpreet Kaur was there for one of them. Tonight, she ended the story. When the last wicket fell, she didn’t celebrate; she dropped to her knees and stayed there. “We waited twenty years for this,” she said quietly later. “This is for every girl who ever dreamed.”
It wasn’t a line. It was true.
Mumbai Didn’t Sleep
The stands stayed full long after the match. Kids waving flags, strangers hugging, drums somewhere in the distance. Outside, traffic didn’t move; nobody cared. People were dancing on car roofs, singing the anthem, shouting players’ names like they were family.
Satya Nadella sent a message calling it a “groundbreaking moment.” Politicians and film stars joined in. But the best reactions weren’t online, they were in the streets. In homes. In the faces of people who finally saw the women’s team win it all.
More Than A Trophy
This one changes everything. Women’s cricket isn’t a side story anymore. The Women’s Premier League will explode in value. Sponsors will come. More girls will pick up bats because now they know it’s possible.
As The Guardian wrote, this win “cements women’s cricket as a mainstream sport in India.” About time.
How They Got Here
India didn’t cruise through the tournament; they earned it. Wins over Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and a nerve-shredding semifinal against England. Each match added steel.
South Africa were worthy opponents, led by Wolvaardt’s calm and grit. But India had the edge, maybe. Or just the will to finally finish the job.
Coach Ramesh Powar summed it up perfectly to The Indian Express: “We stopped chasing redemption. We started playing for joy.” That joy showed in every over.
A Night India Won’t Forget
When the fireworks faded, the team lingered on the field, hugging, laughing, calling home. Some just sat on the turf, soaking it in. The stadium lights hit the trophy, and for once, it wasn’t a dream slipping away.
Tomorrow there’ll be parades, TV specials, and a million photos. But this night, this wild, messy, beautiful night belongs only to them.
India didn’t just win a final. They finished a story.
Stay ahead with Hindustan Herald — bringing you trusted news, sharp analysis, and stories that matter across Politics, Business, Technology, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, and more.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and join our Telegram community @hindustanherald for real-time updates.
Sports reporter covering cricket, football, and Olympic disciplines, with on-ground event experience.
- Prakash Nairhttps://hindustanherald.in/author/prakash/
- Prakash Nairhttps://hindustanherald.in/author/prakash/
- Prakash Nairhttps://hindustanherald.in/author/prakash/
- Prakash Nairhttps://hindustanherald.in/author/prakash/
