“Every moment felt like a step closer to something bigger than all of us."

That’s how India’s World Cup hero Deepti Sharma summed up her journey after leading the country to its first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title and clinching the Player of the Tournament award.
 

In a rain-affected final at a packed DY Patil Stadium, India posted a commanding 298/7, driven by Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti’s blistering 58. South Africa, despite captain Laura Wolvaardt’s fighting century (101), were bowled out for 246, handing India a 52-run win and their maiden World Cup crown.

Deepti capped off her dream night with an all-round masterclass — a fluent fifty followed by a five-wicket haul (5/39) — guiding India home in the closing stages to script a historic triumph.

Following the win, an emotional Deepti took to Instagram to reflect on the moment that defined her career so far.

“Still soaking it all in. From the first ball of the tournament to that last wicket in the final, every moment felt like a step closer to something bigger than all of us," Deepti wrote.
 

“Every time I walk out on the field, my only thought is to give everything for my team. The belief my teammates and coaches have in me keeps me going, especially in those tough moments.

“This award is special, but nothing compares to lifting that trophy together. Proud of this team! Proud to be Indian!" she concluded.

Deepti’s performance was truly one for the ages. She became the first cricketer, male or female, to score a fifty and take a five-for in a World Cup knockout match.

She also registered a unique double — 200-plus runs and 20-plus wickets in a single ODI World Cup — a feat unmatched in both men’s and women’s editions.
 

Her tally of 215 runs and 22 wickets ranks among the best-ever in World Cup history. No Indian woman before her had ever managed the fifty-plus and five-wicket double in the same ODI.

And with it all, one can bet that Deepti has blazed a trail for generations to follow.