Navi Mumbai: In the world of cricket, certain catches aren’t just dismissals; they are monumental turning points that etch themselves into history. Much like Kapil Dev’s iconic backward-running catch to dismiss Viv Richards in the 1983 World Cup final, one such moment unfolded recently, shaping the destiny of an entire tournament.
Under the electrifying lights and amidst the thunderous roars of 40,000 passionate fans at the DY Patil Stadium, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final saw a heroic act from Indian all-rounder Amanjot Kaur. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, having scored a magnificent 101 runs, seemed poised to guide her team to victory. However, her powerful shot towards deep mid-wicket was met by a determined Amanjot, who, in a breathtaking display of athleticism, completed a spectacular running catch on her third attempt.
Amanjot Kaur of India celebrates with teammate Renuka Singh after taking the crucial catch. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
The stadium erupted, a tidal wave of cheers washing over Amanjot as her teammates rushed to celebrate. It was an undeniable sign: this was India’s moment. Reflecting on the monumental effort, a beaming Amanjot later told reporters, “Oh my God, it was the toughest catch of my life. I’ve never fumbled before; it’s usually all or nothing for me! For the first time, I got three chances. It was a critical wicket; we knew Wolvaardt would go on the offensive after her century.” This incredible grab effectively sealed India’s World Cup victory.
Known for her exceptional fielding, Amanjot’s contributions extended beyond that single catch. She also secured the crucial run-out of Tazmin Brits, disrupting a vital South African opening partnership. “The pitch was favoring the batters when they were at the crease,” she explained. “We understood that breaking their partnerships was essential. Fielding under lights with dew isn’t easy, and despite a few minor errors, it felt like destiny wanted us to win.”
Remarkably, Amanjot had been battling a hidden injury before the World Cup, undertaking her recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru without informing her family. “I haven’t even had a chance to speak to them yet,” she shared with a smile. “I just know they’ve been celebrating with crackers, and my grandparents are probably asleep. My aunt gave me some simple advice that morning: ‘Just swing without seeing the ball.’ My family doesn’t quite grasp the nuances of cricket; for them, it’s either a boundary, an out, or ‘why are you even holding a bat if you’re getting leg-before?'” the young star chuckled.
Amanjot also praised her teammate Deepti Sharma, whose all-round brilliance was instrumental throughout India’s campaign. Deepti’s crucial 58 runs in the final, combined with her remarkable tournament performance of 22 wickets and 238 runs (including three half-centuries in nine matches), earned her the title of “the glue that holds the team together” from Amanjot.
“Whenever Deepti plays, you can almost guarantee a new record being set,” Amanjot added. “She truly is the glue for our team, excelling in bowling, batting, and fielding.”
Amanjot’s individual brilliance was evident earlier in the tournament as well. In India’s opening match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, she scored a vital 57 off 56 balls, forming a 103-run partnership with Deepti Sharma to rescue the team from a precarious 124 for six. This effort led to a 59-run victory via the DLS method. Her impact continued into the semifinals against Australia at the DY Patil Stadium, where she claimed the critical wicket of Phoebe Litchfield (119) with a perfectly bowled delivery. In a high-scoring encounter, Amanjot also contributed an unbeaten 15 runs from just eight balls and finished with impressive bowling figures of 1-51 from eight overs. “My focus was simply to bowl straight against Litchfield,” she recalled.
The 25-year-old all-rounder also shared insights into Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s inspiring message before the final. “It had been tougher for her, experiencing more highs and lows than many of us,” Amanjot explained. “She emphasized that losing by small margins was no longer an option, demanding that ‘everyone will have to go all out’ this time.”