Team India created history on Sunday night as Harmanpreet Kaur’s side clinched their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in Navi Mumbai. Facing South Africa in the final, India put up a dominant show, posting 298/7 in 50 overs with Shafali Verma leading the charge through a brilliant 87-run knock.
The Proteas put up a brave fight but eventually fell short, being bowled out for 246 runs. Shafali, who also claimed two crucial wickets, was named the Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance. However, one of the defining moments of the game came from Amanjot Kaur, whose stunning catch dismissed South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, for 101, changing the momentum in India’s favour.
A Hidden Struggle Behind The Triumph
While the nation celebrated India’s World Cup glory, Amanjot’s family revealed a heart-wrenching truth. Her father, Bhupinder Singh, shared that during the tournament, Amanjot’s grandmother suffered a heart attack. The family made the difficult decision to keep the news from the young cricketer so she could stay focused on her World Cup campaign.
“My mother Bhagwanti has been Amanjot’s pillar of strength since the day she started playing cricket outside on the street and in the park near our Phase 5 residence in Mohali. While I would be at my carpentry shop in Balongi, she would make sure to sit outside the home or at the park to oversee Amanjot playing with the boys as well as other girls,” Bhupinder Singh told The Indian Express. He added, “After she suffered a heart attack last month, we did not tell Amanjot about it, and the last few days have seen us spending time in hospitals for her treatment. The World Cup win has surely come as a balm in these tense times for us.”
A Moment That Changed The Game
Amanjot’s spectacular catch in the final became one of the most talked-about moments of India’s campaign. With South Africa relying heavily on their captain, Wolvaardt, her dismissal turned the game decisively in India’s favour. Reflecting on that crucial moment, Amanjot expressed her emotions with pure joy and pride.
“We all knew how important the catch was. First time ever in my life, I’m glad that I got that second chance to take the catch. I don’t have the words to express it. This means a lot; you can see the crowd cheering all around. We have created history. This is just the start—Indian cricket is going to be at the next level,” she said. Her contribution, coupled with the team’s united effort, etched India’s name in women’s cricket history forever.
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