Historic ICC Women's World Cup Victory: Jay Shah and Nita Ambani Celebrate India's Triumph

Jay Shah Attributes Success to BCCI Initiatives

Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), praised Team India for clinching their first ICC Women's World Cup title. He noted that the "grit, determination, and talent of the Indian team have inspired the entire nation". Shah also commended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its significant investments, equal pay for male and female players, and the enhancement of coaching staff, which have all contributed to this historic achievement. The reforms implemented by BCCI over the past few years, including the introduction of the Women's Premier League (WPL), have culminated in India’s victory over South Africa by 52 runs in the final match.

On social media platform X, Shah expressed, "The journey of @BCCIWomen's towards their first @cricketworldcup has been remarkable. The Indian team's grit and skills have inspired the nation, and we must recognize the pivotal policy changes made by @BCCI, including increased funding and pay parity with male cricketers. Congratulations to Harmanpreet Kaur and the entire squad for this monumental win!"

Nita Ambani: A Nation Filled with Pride

Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, celebrated the Indian women's team's historic ICC Women's World Cup victory, stating that they have made the entire nation "swell with pride". She remarked, "At the stroke of midnight, our girls have achieved the first-ever ICC World Championship. Your courage, conviction, and confidence have made us all proud. Thank you, dhanyavad, and Jai Hind!"

India's Dominance Over South Africa in the Final

In the final match, South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first.

India's Batting Strength Establishes a Solid Foundation

India's innings began with a strong partnership between Smriti Mandhana (45 runs off 58 balls, including eight fours) and Shafali Verma, followed by a 62-run collaboration between Shafali (87 runs off 78 balls, with seven fours and two sixes) and Jemimah Rodrigues (24 runs off 37 balls, with one four). India set a robust platform at 166/2. A partnership of 52 runs between captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20 runs off 29 balls, with two fours) and Deepti Sharma pushed India past the 200-run mark. A final surge from Deepti (58 runs off 58 balls, with three fours and one six) and Richa Ghosh (34 runs off 24 balls, with three fours and two sixes) propelled India to a total of 298/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Ayabonga Khaka was South Africa's standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 58 runs.

Wolvaardt's Century Goes Unrewarded as Deepti Shines

During South Africa's chase, they began with a 50-run partnership, with Tazmin Brits (23 runs off 35 balls, including two fours and one six) being the first wicket to fall. Despite captain Laura Wolvaardt's strong performance, Shafali Verma (2 wickets for 36 runs) and Shree Charani's bowling reduced South Africa to 148/5. Wolvaardt formed a 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Annerie Dercksen (37 runs off 35 balls, with one four and two sixes), which began to apply pressure on India. Wolvaardt (101 runs off 98 balls, with 11 fours and one six) continued her excellent form, having scored 169 against England in the semifinal. However, Deepti's exceptional bowling removed both set batters, leaving South Africa struggling at 221/8. Deepti became the first Indian woman to take four wickets in a World Cup final, finishing with figures of 5 wickets for 39 runs, as India made history by dismissing South Africa for 246 runs.