Smriti Mandhana’s joy after the historic World Cup win

“In every World Cup we have played in, there has been a lot of pain for all of us. But we always believed that we have a greater responsibility – not just to win, but to continue developing women’s cricket,” an emotional Mandhana told broadcasters after leading India to victory.

The stylish left-hander credited the tremendous support that the Indian women’s team has received in the last 45 days during the World Cup.

She said: “Honestly, just look at the support we have received over the last month and a half. It has been unbelievable. To finally lift the World Cup today – I would spend 45 sleepless nights any day for this moment. The last World Cup was definitely tough for all of us. But after that, we had a clear focus – to become fitter, stronger and better in every area.”

She went on to praise her team, which was outstanding in the knockout rounds, beating Australia against all odds and followed that up with a crushing victory over South Africa.

“What’s special about this team – and no one really talks about it – is how much we stick together. Everyone supports each other, through the good days and the bad. We genuinely celebrated each other’s success. The team environment this time…was very positive and very close-knit. I think that was the biggest difference,” Mandana concluded.

Women in Blue was clinical on a day delayed by rain. After losing the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India got off to a flying start thanks to the 104-run stand of openers Shafali Verma and Mandhana. Deepti Sharma, in the middle order, and Richa Ghose, with her finishing touches, helped India reach 298.

In a chase of 299 players, South Africa were in contention until the end as their captain, Laura Wolfhardt, became the first woman in the history of cricket to score a century in a Women’s World Cup semi-final and final, but fate had other plans as India went on to lift the coveted trophy.