It was a night that Indian cricket will never forget, on Sunday. Under the glowing lights of Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, the “Women in Blue” scripted history, defeating South Africa by 52 runs to lift their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title.
The stadium roared as Shafali Verma’s fearless strokes and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance powered India to 298 for 7. Every run felt like a heartbeat; every cheer echoed the years of near-misses and heartbreaks that had defined India’s journey so far. When Deepti returned with the ball to take five wickets and seal South Africa’s fate at 246, tears, laughter, and disbelief swept through the Indian camp.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who has carried the hopes of a generation, summed it up with quiet grace: “This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of believing in ourselves, in each other, and in what women’s cricket in India can become.” For Shafali Verma, the 21-year-old firebrand, it was deeply personal. “I haven’t been emotional on a cricket field before,” she said, eyes glistening. “But tonight feels unreal, it’s for every girl who dared to dream.”
Cricketing icons and fans across the country poured in heartfelt tributes after India’s historic triumph. Smriti Mandhana summed up the emotion, saying, “Still sinking in… to be champions at home means everything.” Rohit Sharma, who watched from the stands, shared, “When India cross that line, I wanted to feel what it is like to win the World Cup on home soil.” Virat Kohli called it a defining moment for Indian sport, writing, “The girls have created history! So proud of this team — a moment that will inspire generations. Jai Hind!” Actor Anushka Sharma added her voice of pride, posting, “Champions of the world! Super women — what a game, what a win! Love you girls!”
As the tricolour rose high and chants of “India, India!” echoed, the victory transcended sport. It was about daughters who refused to give up, mothers who stitched dreams into cricket kits, and a nation slowly learning to celebrate its women not for endurance, but excellence.
The BCCI announced a ₹51 crore cash reward for India’s World Cup-winning women’s team, to be shared among players, selectors, and support staff. Secretary Devajit Saikia said the amount is fully funded by the BCCI, in addition to the ICC’s prize money.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the team for their “skill and confidence that will inspire generations.” Across the country, messages poured in, from icons, athletes, and everyday fans who had stayed awake to witness history.
