Legendary India pacer Jhulan Goswami showered praised on the team for finally breaking the 52-year drought of winning the Women's World Cup. The team led by Harmanpreet Kaur scripted history on Sunday by defeating South Africa in the all-important final at the D.Y. Patil Stadium. Notably, this was the Women in Blue's third appearance in the final. They had previously lost the finals that they had qualified for in the 2005 and 2017 edition to Australia and England respectively. However, the team managed to put the painful history behind them and went on to lift their first-ever World Cup title.
Following the conclusion of the final against South Africa, Jhulan remarked that any form of praise is insufficient for the team and congratulated them for the historic triumph.
“I recall beginning my career in 1997, watching Belinda Clark’s victory lap as a ball girl, which inspired my dream to win this trophy for India. These remarkable players have fulfilled that dream. The way they fought throughout this tournament was incredible, and any praise feels insufficient for their monumental achievement. My heartfelt congratulations to them all," Jhulan said on Jio Star.
Jhulan highlights the importance of the triumph
Jhulan also feels that this win can be the turning point of women's cricket's reach in India and will inspire an entire generation of players to dream of becoming professional cricketers and represent the national team in the World Cup.
“This victory will significantly boost women’s cricket’s reach throughout our vast country, bringing joy and creating new career pathways. For many facing challenges, this achievement will ignite dreams and showcase what’s possible through dedication and sport," Goswami stated.
“This victory represents more than just a trophy – it shows what a competitive culture that Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has built within this team. Their experience in global leagues made them realise that beating powerhouses like Australia and England required not just skills but also fitness and mental strength,' she added.
India's historic World Cup triumph
Meanwhile, India have now joined England, Australia and New Zealand as the only teams to lift the coveted Women's World Cup title since the tournament's inception back in 1973. Despite having an unconvincing league stage where they won just three games out of seven, Harmanpreet Kaur & Co. stepped up big time in the knockouts and defeated Australia in a dramatic semi-final clash before downing South Africa in the high-voltage final to become the new world champions.