Amanjot’s Miracle Catch That Won India the World Cup
In the electric atmosphere of the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final in Mumbai, one moment stood out above all others—a breathtaking, full-stretch diving effort that sent shockwaves through the stadium and changed the course of cricket history. That moment belonged to Amanjot Kaur, and it wasn’t just a catch—it was a legacy-defining play.
“It was the toughest catch of my life,” Amanjot revealed in an emotional post-match interview, recalling the pivotal dismissal of South African captain Laura Wolvaardt on 101. The catch didn’t just end a dangerous innings—it ignited India’s path to their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title on home soil.
The Catch That Broke South Africa’s Back
Wolvaardt, calm and commanding at the crease, was steering South Africa toward a competitive total. With the score at 187/2 and the crowd growing restless, India needed a breakthrough. Enter Amanjot Kaur.
Off a delivery from Renuka Singh, Wolvaardt slashed toward deep backward point. Amanjot, stationed near the boundary, sprinted backward, eyes locked on the ball, before launching herself full-length to cling onto a stunner just inches above the turf. The stadium erupted. Teammates rushed to her. The momentum swung—irrevocably.
“I didn’t think I’d get there,” Amanjot admitted. “But something just clicked. I knew if I dropped it, we’d be in trouble. So I gave everything.”
Amanjot Kaur: More Than Just a Catch
While the catch stole headlines, Amanjot’s all-round impact was equally vital. Batting at No. 7, she smashed a quickfire 32 off 19 balls in the chase, clearing the ropes twice to keep India ahead of the DLS par. With the ball, she bowled a disciplined 7-over spell, conceding just 38 runs.
Even more remarkably, few knew she was playing through a **grade-1 hamstring strain** sustained during the semi-final. “I had physio every 3 hours,” she smiled. “But nothing was going to keep me out of that final.”
Why This Catch Is Already Legendary
Cricket fans in India are no strangers to iconic fielding moments—think Kapil Dev’s 1983 run-out or Jonty Rhodes’ brilliance. But Amanjot’s effort stands apart: it came in a World Cup final, against a set centurion, and under the crushing weight of a nation’s expectations.
Former India captain Mithali Raj called it “the fielding moment Indian women’s cricket has been waiting for.” And ICC commentators ranked it among the top 5 catches in Women’s World Cup history.
Amanjot Kaur’s World Cup 2025 Performance Snapshot
| Role | Matches | Runs | Batting Avg | Wickets | Economy | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-rounder | 9 | 184 | 30.66 | 8 | 4.92 | Wolvaardt catch (Final) |
Source: ICC Match Archive, ESPNcricinfo
From Punjab to World Champion
Hailing from Chandigarh, Amanjot Kaur’s journey has been anything but smooth. Cut from age-group camps twice, she rebuilt her game in local tournaments before catching selectors’ eyes with a 98* in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy. Her selection for the 2023 Women’s Premier League (WPL) with Delhi Capitals was her big break—and now, she’s a national hero.
“This win is for every girl told she’s not good enough,” she said, holding back tears during the trophy ceremony. “Keep playing. Keep believing.”