Indian women’s cricket team lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa in the final by 52 runs at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday (November 3).

During the celebrations, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur displayed a touching gesture as she handed the coveted trophy to Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj, acknowledging their immense contribution to the development of women’s cricket in the country.

Speaking to Star Sports, an emotional Jhulan revealed that after the heartbreak of the 2022 World Cup, Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana came to her hotel room and promised that they would win the next title for her.

“You know what, before this World Cup, they promised me that they would do it for me. In 2022, we weren’t able to qualify for the semifinals. After that, Harman and Smriti came to my room at midnight and they said that ‘we don’t know if you will be there in the next World Cup, but we will win that trophy for you’," Jhulan stated.

“Finally, they did it and that is why we are all so emotional at the moment," the former India pacer added.

In the final, India posted 298/7 on the board after being asked to bat first, courtesy of Shafali Verma’s 87, Deepti Sharma’s 58, and vital contributions from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34).

During the chase, South Africa fought hard on the back of skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s superb 101, but a sensational spell from Deepti (5/39) helped India bowl out the Proteas women for 246 in 45.3 overs.