NEW DELHI: A collective team effort powered India to their maiden Women’s World Cup title, as they defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday night. South Africa’s hopes faded when captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed in the 42nd over, followed by Chloe Tryon’s wicket in the same over. With 78 runs required off 48 balls and only two wickets in hand, the result was all but sealed. Despite Nadine de Klerk’s late resistance, India’s bowlers held their nerve, bowling out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs to script a historic win in front of a passionate home crowd. For India, Deepti Sharma led the charge with a brilliant spell of 5 for 39, while Shafali Verma contributed with two key wickets that turned the momentum in India

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