lifted their maiden title as Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma’s starred to help the hosts secure a 52-run victory over South Africa in the sold-out final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Shafali struck her highest One Day International (ODI) score of her career as her 87 helped the home side post 298-7 after being asked to bat first in front of the 45,000-strong crowd.
Having been left out of the World Cup squad, Shafali was drafted in for the semi-final victory over Australia following an injury to Pratika Rawal and the opening batter imposed herself on the final with a 49-ball half century.
Laura Wolvaardt led South Africa’s reply with a captain’s knock of 101 but the Proteas were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
Sharma claimed 5-39, to go with her impressive 58 knock, in a fine all-round display on a memorable night for the hosts.
“Every World Cup we’ve gone into, there have been so many heartbreaks for all of us,” a teary-eyed India opener Smriti Mandhana said.
“We always believed that we had a bigger responsibility — not just to win, but to keep growing women’s cricket.
“Just look at the support we’ve had over the last month and a half. It’s been incredible.”
With the victory, India joined Australia, England and New Zealand as the only countries to have won the showpiece tournament.
Edited by: Karl Sexton
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