TNR News Network
SHIMLA:
History was made on Sunday as India’s women cricketers lifted their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a pulsating final at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. Adding a special gleam to the golden triumph, two players from Himachal Pradesh — pacer Renuka Singh Thakur and batter Harleen Deol — were part of the victorious squad, marking the first time in history that the hill state had representation in a World Cup final.
Both products of HPCA
Renuka and Harleen, both products of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) system, played key roles throughout the tournament.
While Renuka impressed with her disciplined pace bowling, keeping opponents under constant pressure, Harleen contributed crucial runs with the bat during India’s campaign. Their consistent performances helped solidify India’s dominance in the group stages and ensured their spots in the playing XI for the final.
Golden day for Indian women’s cricket
Shafali Verma, the 21-year-old prodigy, was the star of the final, smashing 87 runs in India’s total of 298 for 7 and later taking two vital wickets. The ever-reliable Deepti Sharma (5/39) and young Shree Charani (1/48) ensured South Africa’s chase ended at 246, giving India a historic 52-run victory.
As Harmanpreet Kaur held on to the catch that sealed India’s win, AR Rahman’s Vande Mataram echoed through the packed stands, capping an emotional moment that mirrored India’s 1983 men’s World Cup triumph.
Pride for Himachal Pradesh
HPCA secretary Avnish Parmar called it a “golden moment” in Himachal’s cricketing history.
“It’s a matter of immense pride that two of our players have been part of India’s first-ever women’s world cup-winning team. Renuka and Harleen have set an inspiring example for young girls across the state,” he said.
For Renuka Singh Thakur, hailing from Rohru in Shimla district, and Harleen Deol, from Sundernagar in Mandi, the victory is more than a personal milestone — it’s a symbol of how far women’s cricket from the hills has come.
