Celebrations erupted across the country as BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reportedly announced a \u20b951 crore reward for the players and support staff, hailing the victory as a \u201cmonumental achievement that will take Indian women\u2019s cricket to a new level.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal lauded the team\u2019s historic feat, drawing parallels with India\u2019s iconic 1983 men\u2019s World Cup triumph.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a red-letter day for Indian women\u2019s cricket. What the men\u2019s team achieved in 1983, the Indian women have recreated today in Mumbai. This historic triumph will give a tremendous boost to women\u2019s cricket in the country, and I\u2019m confident our game will now reach new heights,\u201d Dhumal told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, batting first, India posted a commanding 298\/7, powered by Shafali Verma\u2019s fluent 87, Deepti Sharma\u2019s composed 58, and valuable contributions from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34). A solid 100-run opening stand between Mandhana and Verma set the platform for a big total before South Africa clawed back late to keep India just under the 300-mark.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chasing 299, South Africa began confidently as Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt put together a brisk fifty-run opening partnership. But a sharp direct hit from Amanjot Kaur ended Brits\u2019 stay, and from there, India seized control of the contest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Young pacer Sree Charani struck in her first over, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW, before Shafali Verma \u2014 shining with the ball as well \u2014 produced a game-turning spell, removing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in quick succession.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Deepti Sharma then delivered a dream performance, claiming 5 for 39 to crush South Africa\u2019s middle order. Despite Wolvaardt\u2019s fighting 101, the Proteas fell short, bundled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as India sealed a famous 52-run victory amid roaring home support.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As the tricolour soared high and the players embraced in tears of joy, the moment marked not just a World Cup triumph \u2014 but the dawn of a new era for Indian women\u2019s cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Deepti Sharma then delivered a dream performance, claiming 5 for 39 to crush South Africa\u2019s middle order. Despite Wolvaardt\u2019s fighting 101, the Proteas fell short, bundled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as India sealed a famous 52-run victory amid roaring home support.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India 298\/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3-58) beat South Africa 246 all out in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5-39, Shafali Verma 2-36) by 52 runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n