India Women claimed their first-ever World Cup title with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa in a high-scoring final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. 

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai – the highest-scoring venue of the tournament so far.

On a true batting surface, South Africa’s bowlers found it tough to make early inroads as India’s openers laid a strong foundation. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma added 104 for the first wicket before Chloe Tryon provided the breakthrough, with Mandhana edging behind for 45.

Verma’s superb 87 guided India to 166 before Ayabonga Khaka removed her in the 28th over. Deepti Sharma then kept the scoreboard ticking, striking at a run a ball before falling on the final delivery of the innings.

India finished on 298/7 – the second-highest total ever in a World Cup final.

In reply, Laura Wolvaardt once again showcased her class, becoming the first player to score a century in both the semi-final and final of a World Cup. Her fluent hundred gave South Africa hope, but once she fell for 110 in the 42nd over with the score on 220/7, the chase quickly unraveled.

South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246, handing India a 52-run victory – and with it, their first-ever World Cup title.