**Amanjot Kaur’s Miraculous Catch Seals India’s 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup Victory**
They say catches win matches, and sometimes, a single catch can etch itself into the annals of history. Think of Kapil Dev’s iconic backward sprint to dismiss Viv Richards in the 1983 World Cup final, a moment that arguably shifted the tournament’s fate.
On Sunday night, a similar moment of magic unfolded under the bright lights of Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. Amidst the deafening roars of 40,000 ecstatic fans, Indian all-rounder Amanjot Kaur produced an extraordinary feat of fielding in the final of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, crafting a composed and classy 101, looked set to guide her team to an inevitable victory. But as she smashed a ball towards deep mid-wicket, a sprinting Amanjot Kaur defied expectations, securing the catch on her third attempt.
The Catch That Changed Everything
The stadium erupted in a collective roar, reverberating through every corner as Amanjot’s teammates swarmed her in joyous relief. This wasn’t just any catch; it was the moment that stamped India’s authority, signaling that this was their night, their World Cup.
Amanjot’s Honest Revelation
“Oh my God, it was the toughest catch of my life,” a beaming Amanjot later told reporters in the Mixed Media Zone. “I’ve never fumbled while taking a catch before this in my life. Either I catch the ball or spill it — there’s nothing in between!”
She added, “For the first time, God gave me three opportunities. It was a crucial catch, and we knew she would attack after completing her century and charge from one end.” Her perseverance not only dismissed a centurion but also sealed India’s World Cup triumph.
More Than a Fielder: Amanjot’s All-Round Impact
Amanjot Kaur’s contributions weren’t limited to that breathtaking catch. A “gun fielder,” she significantly impacted India’s World Cup campaign, including a crucial run-out of Tazmin Brits that broke a vital South African opening partnership.
“The wicket was playing better when they were batting,” she explained. “We knew that breaking partnerships was the key. It’s not easy to field under lights with the dew. We tried hard — there were a few lapses by us in the field, but God wanted us to win.”
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Behind her on-field brilliance lay a story of quiet determination. Before the World Cup, Amanjot bravely hid an injury from her family, undergoing recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“I have not spoken at home yet. All I know is that they have burst some crackers and my grandparents are asleep,” she chuckled. Her family’s understanding of cricket is endearing: “For them, if the ball hits the bat, it’s a four. If not, then you are out — and if you are leg-before, why are you even carrying a bat for?”
The Guiding Force: Deepti Sharma’s Influence
Amanjot was quick to praise senior off-spinner Deepti Sharma, labeling her “the glue that holds the team together.” Deepti’s impact on India’s campaign was immense, scoring 58 in the final and boasting an incredible record of 22 wickets and 238 runs with three fifties in nine matches.
“You can pull out any match whenever she is playing — some or the other record is breaking,” Amanjot affirmed. “Deepti is like that glue which holds our team together, be it bowling, batting, or fielding.”
Key Moments on the Road to Glory
Amanjot Kaur’s journey to World Cup glory was punctuated by several other significant performances:
- Crucial 57 against Sri Lanka: In India’s opening match at Guwahati, she rescued the team from a precarious 124 for six, scoring a vital 57 off 56 balls. Her 103-run partnership with Deepti Sharma steered India to a 59-run victory via the DLS method.
- Semi-final Wicket against Australia: In a high-scoring semi-final clash at the DY Patil Stadium, Amanjot took the crucial wicket of Phoebe Litchfield (119), castling her to break a dangerous partnership. She finished with 1-51 in eight overs and chipped in with an eight-ball 15 not out cameo. “I just focused on bowling straight against Litchfield,” she recalled.
Harmanpreet’s Vision: No More Small Margins
Recalling captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s powerful message before the final, Amanjot revealed the depth of motivation within the team. “It had been more difficult for her because the highs and lows that she has seen are something that we have not,” the 25-year-old all-rounder stated.
“To lose by small margins is not good, and she had said this time around that she does not want to lose out by a small margin — everyone will have to go all out,” Amanjot added, highlighting the collective determination that fueled their success.
Conclusion: A Star is Born
From overcoming personal injuries to delivering match-defining performances, Amanjot Kaur emerged as a pivotal figure in India’s 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup triumph. Her incredible catch, combined with her consistent contributions with bat and ball, showcased her immense talent and resilience.
This World Cup victory is not just a testament to teamwork, but also to the rise of new stars like Amanjot Kaur, who delivered when it mattered most, etching her name into Indian cricket history.