India Creates History: Women's Cricket Team Lifts Maiden ODI World Cup Trophy
The Indian Women's Cricket team has etched its name in the annals of history, securing their first-ever ICC Women's ODI World Cup title. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad triumphed over South Africa by 52 runs in a captivating final held in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. This victory marks a watershed moment for Indian cricket, igniting celebrations across the nation.
Match Highlights and Star Performers
In the final showdown, India posted a formidable total of 298 for 7. Young sensation Shafali Verma played a pivotal role with an impressive 87 runs off 78 balls. Deepti Sharma also contributed significantly with a vital half-century (58 runs). Chasing 299, South Africa, despite a strong start, ultimately crumbled to 246 all out. Deepti Sharma's exceptional bowling spell turned the tide, as she claimed 5 wickets for 39 runs, including crucial breakthroughs. Shafali Verma was deservedly named the Player of the Match for her all-round performance, while Deepti Sharma earned the Player of the Tournament award.
National Acclaim and Financial Rewards
The historic win was met with a wave of congratulatory messages from top dignitaries. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their heartfelt wishes to the team, emphasizing the inspiration this victory provides for future generations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also hailed the team's success as a proud moment for Indian cricket.
Recognizing the magnitude of this achievement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a massive cash reward of ā¹51 crore for the Indian women's cricket team players, support staff, and selection committee. This substantial prize money, coupled with the ICC's prize money (around ā¹40 crore), underscores the growing investment and recognition in women's cricket.
Impact on Women's Cricket in India
This World Cup triumph is anticipated to be a game-changer for women's cricket in India. Experts believe it will significantly boost the sport's visibility, growth potential, and inspire countless young girls to pursue cricket as a career. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin lauded young spinner Sree Charani for her exceptional performance in the tournament, highlighting her as a future superstar. The victory is seen as a culmination of years of effort and a testament to systemic changes, including equal match fees for men and women, championed by the BCCI.
Other Sporting Updates
Beyond the cricket pitch, November is proving to be a busy month for Indian sports. The FIDE World Cup 2025 is currently underway in Goa, running from November 1st to 26th, with several Indian players successfully advancing to the next stages. In football, the Super Cup 2025 has kicked off, featuring exciting matches such as Kerala Blasters against SC Delhi and Mumbai City FC taking on Rajasthan United. Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna also announced his retirement after a distinguished 20-year international career, while PV Sindhu reached the semifinals at the Denmark Open Badminton Championship.