NEW DELHI: The South African team’s long awaited dream of winning a World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday night as India lifted the Women’s World Cup trophy for the first time in Navi Mumbai. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side produced a commanding all round display to defeat South Africa by 52 runs and script history in front of a jubilant home crowd.
It was an emotional night that saw Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami cheering from the stands as the team ended years of near misses. But while India celebrated, the South African camp was left heartbroken after yet another narrow miss on the world stage.
Thanja Vuur slams absence of support
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Among those reacting to the final was South African actress and writer Thanja Vuur, a passionate cricket follower who described herself as a “Biased Protea” on social media. After the match, she shared a video expressing disappointment over the lack of support for her team from their own former players and officials.
“India, you win this World Cup. Your congratulations is coming, but first let me tell you why,” she said. “Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma and even VVS Laxman were there supporting you. Who showed up from South Africa? None of our former players or sports officials. Was this event not important enough for them?”
Vuur praised the South African players for their fighting spirit but admitted that India’s deep passion for the game made the defining difference. “Your people live and breathe this sport. It is breakfast, lunch and dinner for you. That is why you are the winners. You deserved this victory,” she added.
Proteas felt short despite skipper's fighting effort
Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s brilliant century, South Africa fell short in their chase of 299 and finished runners up for the third straight time in an ICC women’s event. Mashimbyi said his players gave everything and promised that the team would return stronger in the next edition.
For South Africa, it was a night of heartbreak, but for India, it was the night their long wait ended. The victory, celebrated by millions across the country, marked a defining chapter in Indian cricket history and showed how belief and unwavering support can turn dreams into reality.
