Image: Amanjot Kaur’s incredible catch and run-out earned her the Best Fielder award in the final.
The Women’s World Cup final was brimming with unforgettable moments, but one highlight that will surely resonate for years to come was Amanjot Kaur’s spectacular fielding. Her incredible catch to dismiss South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, proved to be the pivotal turning point, swinging the final decisively in India’s favor and igniting a wave of joyous celebrations throughout the DY Patil Stadium. This crucial play unfolded in the 42nd over when Wolvaardt, having scored an impressive 101, misjudged a shot that soared towards deep mid-wicket. Amanjot, with incredible composure, juggled the ball twice before finally securing it. This breathtaking effort unleashed an outpouring of relief and exhilaration, both from her teammates on the field and the enthusiastic crowd in the stands. Earlier in the match, Amanjot had also showcased her brilliance with a sharp run-out, sending Tazmin Brits back to the pavilion and securing India’s initial breakthrough.
Following the historic victory, fielding coach Munish Bali addressed the jubilant team, articulating the immense pride felt by everyone in the dressing room. “Thank you so much for making us proud. Thank you so much for giving us a chance to wear this t-shirt. Champions! Let’s go ladies,” he exclaimed, his words resonating with the team’s achievement.
Her teammate, Jemimah Rodrigues, was quick to laud Amanjot’s exceptional performance, emphasizing its transformative impact. “So girls, we talk about special moments… there are some moments in a game that change lives forever and that moment has changed our lives forever — and that is today, Amanjot,” Jemimah declared passionately. “You just didn’t catch that catch, you caught the World Cup.”
Coach Bali also shone a spotlight on Smriti Mandhana’s outstanding fielding efforts, revealing that she had topped the team’s internal leaderboard. “Smriti Mandhana is at the top with eight catches, no errors. We win on the outfield. Well done, Smriti,” he praised.
This commendation sparked a spontaneous and utterly hilarious reaction from Jemimah. With a playful grin and perfect comic timing, she interjected, asking Bali if she and fellow teammate Radha Yadav had been “just eating chickpeas” (a Hindi idiom for doing nothing) while others were busy fielding. Her question, delivered with characteristic wit, sent her teammates into peals of laughter.
India’s triumphant 52-run victory was a testament to their all-round brilliance, spearheaded by Deepti Sharma’s incredible five-wicket haul (5/39) and a crucial half-century (58). Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 runs and the team’s consistently sharp fielding also played vital roles in maintaining pressure on South Africa throughout the match.
Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant century, India skillfully managed to bowl out the South African team for 246 runs in 45.3 overs, ultimately securing their historic maiden Women’s World Cup title.