Former India cricketer and current men's team head coach Gautam Gambhir lavished praise on Harmanpreet-led India after their historic maiden ICC Women's ODI World Cup win. Team India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to secure their first-ever World Cup title across both T20I and ODI formats.
Gambhir, who is currently in Australia for the national duties alongside Suryakumar Yadav-led side, watched the finale of the mega event, took his 'X' formerly known as Twitter to laud the Women's team for their performance in the World Cup.
"You have not just created history, you’ve created a legacy that will inspire generations of girls!" wrote Gambhir.
India vs South Africa World Cup final
After being asked to bat, India started their innings strongly with a century partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Mandhana scored 45 runs from 58 balls, hitting eight fours, while Shafali made 87 off 78 balls with seven fours and two sixes. After Mandhana’s dismissal, Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues added another 62 runs, with Jemimah contributing 24 runs from 37 balls, including one boundary. At that point, India was well-placed at 166 for 2.
A 52-run stand between captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma then took India past the 200-run mark. Harmanpreet scored 20 off 29 balls with two fours, while Deepti continued to anchor the innings. Towards the end, Deepti, who made 58 runs from 58 balls with three fours and a six, and Richa Ghosh, who hit 34 off 24 balls with three fours and two sixes, provided a late flourish. India finished their innings at 298 for 7 in 50 overs. Ayabonga Khaka was the best bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets for 58 runs.
South Africa's chase
While chasing, South Africa started with a fifty-run opening stand where Tazmin Brits scored 23 runs from 35 balls with two fours and a six before getting out. Despite captain Laura Wolvaardt’s fine form, the Indian bowlers began to strike back. Shafali Verma, with figures of 2 for 36, and Shree Charani helped reduce South Africa to 148 for 5.
Wolvaardt then stitched a 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Annerie Dercksen, who scored 37 off 35 balls with one four and two sixes. Wolvaardt continued her excellent form, scoring 101 from 98 balls with 11 fours and a six, after making 169 against England in the semifinal.
Just when South Africa looked to fight back, Deepti Sharma turned the game around. She dismissed both set batters in a crucial spell, leaving South Africa at 221 for 8. Deepti became the first Indian woman to take four wickets in a World Cup final and later completed her five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 39.
India bowled out South Africa for 246, sealing a historic win and lifting their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title.