NEW DELHI: Deepti Sharma etched her name into cricketing history with a stunning all-round performance in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 final, playing a pivotal role in India's maiden title triumph over South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

The 28-year-old all-rounder delivered when it mattered most - first scoring a crucial 58 runs to help India post a challenging total of 298 for 7, and then producing a sensational spell of 5 for 39 to dismantle South Africa's chase. Her efforts earned her the Player of the Tournament award and a place among the sport's elite achievers.

With this performance, Deepti became the first cricketer ever - male or female - to score a fifty and take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup knockout match. She was also the first Indian woman to achieve that double in One-Day Internationals.

Deepti also became the second Indian overall to do so in an ODI World Cup, following Yuvraj Singh's iconic effort (50 & 5/31) against Ireland in the 2011 men's edition.

Deepti's heroics in the tournament also made her the first player - male or female - to achieve the double of 200 runs and 20 wickets in a single ODI World Cup edition.

Deepti admitted the magnitude of the achievement was still sinking in.

"Honestly, we still can't believe this result. It feels like a dream," Deepti said. "But I'm very happy I could contribute like this today. We always try to take positives from every match. The fans were incredible - they came in huge numbers and supported us in every game. Without them, this wouldn't have been possible."

Reflecting on how she thrives under pressure, Deepti said she relishes challenges, regardless of the situation. "I always enjoy whatever department I'm in - batting or bowling - because I like challenges. Today, I had both the ball and the bat in my hand, and I just tried to play according to the situation. It can't get more amazing than performing as an all-rounder for your team in a World Cup final."