The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced a massive cash prize for the triumphant women’s cricket team. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed the reward of Rs 51 crore following their historic World Cup victory. This gesture celebrates their maiden world title across ODI and T20I formats.
Team India finally overcame past disappointments in global finals. They defeated South Africa to claim their first-ever world championship. This win erases the heartbreaks from the 2005 and 2017 finals.
Saikia drew parallels to iconic moments in cricket history. He recalled how Kapil Dev’s 1983 win revolutionized men’s cricket in India. Similarly, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team has captured the nation’s imagination and inspired future generations.
Women’s cricket has reached new heights with this achievement. The team’s semifinal victory against Australia was a significant milestone. Now, the World Cup win solidifies their place in sporting history.
BCCI’s recent initiatives have greatly supported women’s cricket. Under Jay Shah’s leadership, pay parity was addressed and prize money increased substantially. These changes have created a more equitable environment for female athletes.
The ICC recently boosted women’s prize money by 300 percent. This increase from $2.88 million to $14 million demonstrates growing recognition. Such financial investments are transforming the sport’s landscape.
Turning to the final match, South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. India’s innings began strongly with a century partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Their solid start laid the foundation for a competitive total.
Shafali Verma’s brilliant 87 from 78 balls featured seven boundaries and two sixes. She shared another important stand with Jemimah Rodrigues. India reached a comfortable position at 166/2.
The middle order continued building momentum. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 20 runs while partnering with Deepti Sharma. Their efforts pushed India beyond the 200-run mark.
Deepti Sharma’s composed 58 and Richa Ghosh’s explosive 34 provided the final flourish. India finished at 298/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Ayabonga Khaka was South Africa’s most successful bowler with three wickets.
South Africa’s chase began with a fifty-run opening partnership. Tazmin Brits scored 23 before becoming the first dismissal. The Indian bowlers then applied pressure through regular breakthroughs.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt fought valiantly for South Africa. She registered a magnificent century despite the falling wickets around her. Her 101 runs came from just 98 deliveries with 11 boundaries.
Wolvaardt found support from Annerie Dercksen during a 61-run partnership. However, Deepti Sharma’s magical spell turned the game decisively. She removed both set batters to leave South Africa struggling at 221/8.
Deepti Sharma created history by taking the first four-wicket haul by an Indian woman in a World Cup final. She eventually completed her five-wicket performance. India bowled out South Africa for 246 runs to claim their historic victory.
This World Cup win represents a watershed moment for Indian cricket. The team’s achievement will inspire countless young girls to pursue the sport. The future of women’s cricket in India looks brighter than ever.