Indian Women’s Cricket Team wins first-ever ICC ODI World Cup; Captain Harmanpreet Kaur says “Winning has to be a habit now”

India has finally done it. Exactly at 00:00 on 3rd November, the Indian women’s cricket team defeated South Africa by 52 runs to win their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title. 

The crowd at DY Patil Stadium roared as captain Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the trophy — a sight the nation had been waiting for over four decades to see.

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India set a strong total of 298 for 7 after winning the toss and choosing to bat. 

Young opener Shafali Verma played a fearless knock of 87 runs, while Deepti Sharma added 58 runs and took control in the middle overs. South Africa’s bowlers tried to fight back, but India’s batting depth showed its strength.

Chasing 299, South Africa got off to a steady start, with captain Laura Wolvaardt scoring a fine 101. But the Indian bowlers held their nerve. 

Deepti Sharma shone with the ball, taking five wickets for just 39 runs. South Africa was bowled out for 246, giving India a 52-run win and the World Cup.

As the final wicket fell, Harmanpreet Kaur ran a glorious lap. 

“We were badly waiting for this moment,” she said after the match. Her statement summed up the emotions of millions watching across the country.

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India’s win ends a 47-year wait and sparks national celebration

This victory is being called India’s “1983 moment” — just like when the men’s team won their first World Cup. 

For Indian women’s cricket, it is a turning point. Years of hard work, heartbreak, and hope finally came together on one perfect night.

Fans filled social media with joy and messages of support. Business leader Anand Mahindra wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“They didn’t just lift the trophy. They lifted the game of women’s cricket itself.”

His words captured what the win means for Indian sport. The celebrations went beyond the stadium — from schools to offices, from small towns to big cities, everyone was talking about the women’s team.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur said in her post-match talk, “We have now broken the barrier. Winning has to be a habit now.”

Her focus on the future shows how far the team has come and where they want to go next.

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Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma shine as India makes history

Shafali Verma’s fast start set the tone for India. Her 87 off just 64 balls kept South Africa under pressure from the beginning. 

But the biggest star of the tournament was Deepti Sharma. Her all-round show, with both bat and ball, won her the Player of the Tournament award.

Deepti also achieved a rare record. She became the first cricketer, across both men’s and women’s World Cups, to score over 300 runs and take 15 wickets in a single edition. Her consistency throughout the tournament was one of the main reasons India lifted the cup.

As the players took their victory lap, the crowd chanted “India! India!” Flags waved, phones lit up the stands, and tears mixed with laughter. 

This was not just a cricket win, it was a moment of belonging and belief for millions of fans.

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A win that will inspire young girls across India

Beyond the numbers and celebrations, this victory has given new hope to young girls everywhere. 

From small towns to big cities, thousands of children watched India’s women play with confidence and power. Many of them now believe they can do it too.

As one fan wrote online, “Every little girl holding a bat today believes she can lift a World Cup tomorrow.”

That is the real victory.

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