NEW DELHI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- India won its first-ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title on Sunday night, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a pulsating final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Celebrations erupted across India following the victory, which ended the country's 52-year wait for a maiden Women's World Cup title.
Cricket fans marked the win by setting off firecrackers, dancing in the streets and congratulating one another.
Indian leaders and sports personalities described the victory as a "defining" moment that could inspire an entire generation.
"Congratulations to our players. This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a statement posted on social media said.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India, the national governing body of the sport, announced the team would receive a reward of 5.8 million U.S. dollars.
The Women's Cricket World Cup was first held in 1973. ■
