It was a ‘chak de’ moment for the Indian women's cricket team. When Indian girls won the final match in the ICC Women’s World Cup, they Indian girls achieved a remarkable success against all odds. The women’s cricket team scripted history by lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium.
For decades, the story of Indian cricket has been told almost exclusively through the exploits of men — from Kapil Dev to Dhoni and Kohli. Meanwhile, women’s cricket quietly grew in the shadows. The journey was long, lonely, and far more demanding. Indeed, this win is the culmination of years of perseverance by players who trained with meagre facilities, visibility, or financial backing. From now on, Indian cricket will be known through their achievements as well.
The final match itself reflected skill, composure, and an unyielding fighting spirit of Team India. Shafali Verma’s 87, Deepti Sharma’s all-around exploits, and the calm leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur embodied a maturity. Deepti’s five-wicket haul was symbolic of the quiet resilience that defines these women. Against a strong South African side, the team didn’t just win a match — they emerged out of the woods confident and resilient.
This victory could very well be the catalyst for a revolution in women’s sport. For this victory to truly change things, it must be followed by sustained institutional support and infrastructural investment. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s announcement of a Rs 51 crore reward for the players and support staff is a heartening step — an acknowledgement that these athletes deserve not just celebration but tangible recognition. Yet, for too long, women athletes in India have had to toil hard to make a place for themselves.
Despite their talent — from Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu to Mary Kom — women in sport still fight systemic neglect, cultural bias, and inadequate infrastructure.
This World Cup triumph must, therefore, be seen as a call to action — a reminder for schools, academies, and state associations to invest in girls’ training and equal facilities. Beyond professional cricket, India needs a grassroots movement that normalises girls playing sport across fields, streets, and schools nationwide.
These athletes have brought national pride as their male counterparts. Their stories of struggle and success deserve to be told, celebrated, and remembered. Harmanpreet Kaur’s declaration after the win — “This is not the end” — captures the deeper spirit of this moment.
When a young girl in Ranchi or Rajkot picks up a bat today, she will do so knowing that women in blue have conquered the world. That is the power of success; it opens doors for more success. The Indian women’s team has not just won a championship — they have changed the story of Indian cricket forever.
