Under the glowing Navi Mumbai sky, one name defined India’s long-awaited moment of glory: Deepti Sharma.
The all-rounder produced a performance for the ages, smashing a half-century and then snaring five wickets to lead India to their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium.
Deepti’s masterclass, 5/39 with the ball and a composed 50 with the bat, not only earned her the Player of the Tournament award but also sealed her place among India’s greatest match-winners.
She finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker (21), embodying calmness and control in every spell.
“I always enjoy whatever role I have been given. I like challenges — I had to play according to the situation today, and I enjoyed
my role with both bat and ball,” Deepti said at the post-match presentation.
But when asked what this victory meant to her, Deepti’s answer turned the emotional night into something truly unforgettable.
“I just wanted to say that I would like to dedicate this trophy to my mom and dad,” she said, her voice steady but her eyes glistening.
It was a moment that transcended sport — a daughter’s dream fulfilled, a nation’s wait finally over.
Deepti also showed her grace in victory, lauding South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, whose fighting century had kept the contest alive till the end.
“Laura played a very good innings. But we stayed calm and focused. As a team, we just kept telling ourselves to go till the last ball… and we did. We have won the World Cup.”
For India, it was the night when heartbreak turned into history — and at its heart stood Deepti Sharma, India’s golden girl, dedicating her world to the people who shaped hers.
