Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 3 (ANI): Captain Harmanpreet Kaur posted a heartfelt message after India ended its much-awaited drought for lifting the maiden Women's World Cup title with a 52-run victory in the final over South Africa on Sunday in Navi Mumbai.

In the final moments of the pulsating final, Harmanpreet took a stunner to dismiss Nadine de Klerk off Deepti Sharma as India carved its name in history. Emotions swelled as Indian players, staff, former women's team stalwarts and fans got teary-eyed while revelling in the fabled story of success.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma, present at the DY Patil Stadium, was visibly emotional while applauding Harmanpreet and her side for the memorable victory on home soil. After the conclusion of any showpiece event across various sports, captains posting a picture with the trophy by their side while sleeping has become a slowly established tradition.

Lionel Messi did it after getting his hands on his first World Cup title in Qatar in 2022. Rohit joined the trend after India ended its 17-year wait for the T20 World Cup trophy in 2024. Harmanpreet became the latest skipper to do so.

After claiming the first trophy in her illustrious 16-year career, Harmanpreet posted a picture of the silverware with a message on her t-shirt. Cricket is a gentleman's game, goes the adage; however, Harmanpreet seems to have a different take. The back of the t-shirt she wore bore the traditional adage, but with a twist. The word gentlemen was struck off with the replacement everyone. Her t-shirt slogan read, 'Cricket is a gentleman's (struck off) everyone's game.'

With a powerful message, Harmanpreet captioned her post, 'Some dreams are shared by a billion people. That's why cricket is everyone's game.'

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India posted a daunting total of 298/7 on the board, courtesy of Shafali Verma's blistering 87(78) and Deepti Sharma's fiery run-a-ball 58. In reply, skipper Laura Wolvaardt singlehandedly led the fight with a rollicking 101(98) while the rest of her compatriots crumbled against India's spin attack. Deepti delivered the final blow, and India experienced euphoria.

India took a victory lap inside the stadium to prolong the moment of jubilation. Former cricketers Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj joined in the victory celebrations and lifted the coveted title with teary eyes. (ANI)