India’s long wait for a maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title finally ended as Harmanpreet Kaur and her jubilant teammates lifted the trophy after defeating South Africa in a dramatic final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Their 52-run victory before a packed crowd marked a perfect conclusion to a campaign that had faced turbulent moments after three consecutive league losses, including one against South Africa. But Kaur’s team staged an inspiring comeback, chasing a record target in the semi-final against defending champions Australia before sealing their historic win in the final.

India’s triumph was powered by a stunning performance from opener Shafali Verma, whose whirlwind 87 set the tone for their total of 298-7, though they looked poised for an even bigger score at one stage. Verma’s all-round brilliance shone through as she also picked up two quick wickets, turning the match decisively in India’s favour after South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt’s fine 101 kept her team in the hunt.

Verma’s heroics earned her the Player of the Match award, an achievement made more remarkable considering she joined the squad only before the knockout stage as a late injury replacement.

Deepti Sharma was equally instrumental, smashing a run-a-ball 58 and claiming a stunning 5-39 with the ball. Her consistent performances throughout the tournament, scoring 215 runs and taking 22 wickets, earned her the Player of the Tournament honour.

South Africa, despite Wolvaardt’s valiant century, were bowled out for 246 in the 46th over. Once Wolvaardt was caught in the deep, India took full control to seal a moment that will be remembered for generations.

Smriti Mandhana, India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, summed up the emotions in the dressing room after years of heartbreak. “It’s still sinking in. I haven’t been emotional on a cricket field before, but this is unreal. To be champions, it’s beyond words,” she said through tears.

As the final wicket fell, India erupted in nationwide celebration. From metropolitan cities to small towns, streets turned into arenas of joy, echoing with fireworks, drumbeats, and chants of victory. Fans waved the tricolour with pride as the country celebrated not just a sporting triumph but the spirit of perseverance and unity that defines Indian cricket.

This victory stands as more than a win, it embodies the love, resilience, and unwavering spirit of India and its people toward the game that unites the nation.