Shafali Verma’s brilliance and Deepti Sharma’s all-round heroics power India to their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title in front of a jubilant home crowd.

It was a night of glory, grit, and golden history at the DY Patil Stadium as India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final.

In a packed stadium echoing with chants of “India, India,” the home team delivered a performance that will be etched forever in the annals of cricketing history.

Opting to bat first after a rain-delayed start, India displayed remarkable intent from the outset. The opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set the tone for the innings, putting on a commanding 104-run partnership that laid a solid foundation.

Mandhana, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, crafted a fluent 45 before being dismissed by Chloe Tryon’s clever spin, but it was Verma’s breathtaking 87 off just 78 balls that stole the show early on.

Drafted into the team as a late replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, Verma’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. With seven boundaries and two towering sixes, she dominated the South African bowlers, racing to her half-century in just 49 balls.

Her fearless batting electrified the home fans and set the tone for what would become India’s night of triumph.

After Verma’s departure, Deepti Sharma took charge of the middle overs with calm authority. The all-rounder’s crucial 58, backed by a cameo from Richa Ghosh (34), guided India to a formidable total of 298-7. Though at one point a 350-plus score looked possible, the disciplined South African bowlers, particularly Ayabonga Khaka (3-58), managed to contain the flow of runs in the closing overs.

In response, South Africa began their chase with determination, led by their ever-reliable captain Laura Wolvaardt. The skipper put up a fighting 101 — her second consecutive century — showcasing both skill and leadership under pressure. Wolvaardt’s partnerships with Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus gave the visitors early hope, but India’s bowlers struck at key moments to turn the tide.

It was Verma again who provided the breakthrough with her part-time spin, dismissing two batters in quick succession to break South Africa’s rhythm.

From that point, the pressure mounted, and when Wolvaardt finally fell in the 42nd over, holing out to Amanjot Kaur after a fine catch, India knew the championship was within reach.

Deepti Sharma then sealed her remarkable night by completing a five-wicket haul (5-39), capping off one of the finest all-round performances ever seen in a World Cup final.

The DY Patil Stadium erupted as India bowled out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs. Players, fans, and support staff celebrated with unrestrained emotion — a culmination of years of hard work, belief, and a dream that had eluded the Indian women’s cricket team for decades.

With this historic win, India joins the elite group of nations — Australia, England, and New Zealand — to have lifted the coveted Women’s World Cup trophy.

The victory also marked a significant milestone for women’s cricket in India, highlighting how far the sport has come in terms of talent, strategy, and global recognition.

“This is a dream come true. Every player in this team has given her heart out for the nation,” said captain Harmanpreet Kaur, her voice trembling with emotion during the post-match ceremony. “This victory belongs to every girl in India who dreams of playing cricket.”

The triumph at Navi Mumbai was not just a victory in a tournament — it was a statement of power, perseverance, and passion. India’s women have redefined sporting excellence, showing that when determination meets opportunity, history is rewritten.

India suffered a seven-wicket defeat in Perth, but Ponting believes the two veteran players will quickly regain form and continue to contribute significantly to the team’s success.

The series, which is part of India’s international cricket calendar leading up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, moves to Adelaide on Thursday before concluding in Sydney on Saturday.

While Kohli and Rohit did not have their best outings in Perth — Rohit was dismissed for 8, edging Josh Hazlewood to second slip, and Kohli was caught for a duck off Mitchell Starc — Ponting emphasized that these small setbacks should not overshadow their legacy and talent.

“You don’t write off champion players ever. These two have been among the best, and while I’ve said before that Virat’s the best 50-over player I’ve ever seen, you don’t write them off,” Ponting said on the ICC Review podcast.

He added that both players are likely to make a strong comeback in Adelaide, a venue he described as ideal for batting and a rewarding place to play cricket.

Kohli and Rohit now play exclusively in the 50-over format, having retired from other formats of the game. Their return to competitive cricket on Sunday was their first since winning the Champions Trophy in March, marking a new chapter as they focus on preparation for the next World Cup.

Despite the initial hiccup, the duo’s experience, skill, and mental toughness are expected to shine through in the upcoming matches.

Ravi Shastri, who coached both players during their peak years, echoed Ponting’s optimism, highlighting the respect and admiration both Kohli and Rohit command in India and globally.

Shastri noted that the players would not jeopardize their legacy, even while pushing themselves to deliver strong performances. “The contribution is over a decade, decade and a half in the case of Virat. It’s special.

Whether they finish tomorrow or the day after or whenever, that legacy will remain,” he said.

Analysts point out that both players bring tactical acumen, match-winning ability, and leadership qualities to the team, even when they are not scoring big runs.

Their presence strengthens India’s batting lineup, providing stability and confidence to younger teammates, who can look up to them for guidance in high-pressure situations.

Adelaide offers a promising opportunity for Kohli and Rohit to find their rhythm. Known for its batting-friendly conditions and sporting pitch, the venue is expected to allow both players to play freely, showcase their strengths, and contribute to India’s performance in the series.

Fans are also eager to see them back in form, as both cricketers continue to inspire the next generation of players with their technique, temperament, and commitment.

Despite the loss in Perth, India’s team remains strong overall, with a deep batting lineup, versatile bowlers, and a balanced mix of youth and experience.

The upcoming matches against Australia are an opportunity for Kohli and Rohit to reaffirm their status as match-winners, and for the team to gain momentum in preparation for future tournaments.

Ponting concluded by expressing confidence in the players’ ability to bounce back quickly. “They’ll find a way to contribute and win games for their team, and if they do that, they’ll most likely be in that World Cup team in 2027.

I’d expect to see both those guys bounce back into it pretty quickly,” he said. His comments underline the resilience, dedication, and enduring class of two of India’s greatest limited-overs cricketers.

With Adelaide and Sydney ahead, fans and teammates alike can expect exciting cricket and memorable performances from Kohli and Rohit, reinforcing why they are regarded among the finest batsmen in the history of Indian cricket.