kashmir, November 2, 2025 – In a moment that will echo through the annals of Indian cricket, the #TeamIndia women’s squad etched their name in history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at the DY Patil Stadium. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the hosts posted a formidable 298/7 before their bowlers, spearheaded by Deepti Sharma’s match-winning five-wicket haul, dismantled the Proteas’ chase to secure India’s first-ever #ICCWomensWorldCup title.This victory not only marks a landmark for #WomensCricket in India but also underscores the sport’s meteoric rise, with billions tuning in from across the nation and the globe.The Build-Up: A Tournament of Resilience and DramaThe 2025 edition, hosted entirely in India from September 30 to November 2, was a showcase of global talent across eight teams, but it was the hosts who stole the spotlight. India topped the league stage with an unbeaten run, showcasing clinical performances in batting and bowling. Their semi-final against defending champions Australia was a thriller, where a record chase propelled them to the final – a testament to the depth in the #TeamIndia lineup. South Africa, meanwhile, overcame early setbacks to reach their first-ever World Cup final, buoyed by skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s consistent brilliance.
The final’s toss saw South Africa opting to field first, a decision that initially seemed prudent amid overcast skies threatening rain. However, the Indian openers set the tone early, with Shafali Verma (67 off 58) and Smriti Mandhana laying a solid 92-run foundation. Verma, the tournament’s breakout star, combined aggression with poise, smashing boundaries that ignited the packed stadium.
As the innings progressed, Deepti Sharma’s gritty 78 not out – her highest in ODIs – formed a crucial 112-run partnership with Richa Ghosh (42), pushing India past 290. The lower order chipped in, with Harmanpreet Kaur’s quick 30 off 19 ensuring the total crossed 300. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Ayabonga Khaka (2/52), fought back but couldn’t stem the flow, conceding 298/7 in 50 overs.The Chase: Deepti’s Magic Seals the DealChasing 299 – the highest target in a Women’s World Cup final – South Africa started strongly, with openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits adding 78 runs. Wolvaardt, who aggregated over 500 runs in the tournament, anchored the innings with a masterful 101 off 112 balls, including 10 fours and a six, becoming only the second player to score a century in a Women’s World Cup final. But India’s spinners turned the tide in the middle overs.Deepti Sharma, the #PlayerOfTheMatch and tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps, produced a spellbinding performance. Her figures of 5/41 included the vital breakthroughs of Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon in the same over, breaking a dangerous 61-run stand and leaving South Africa reeling at 229/8. Shafali Verma (2/35) and Shree Charani (1/42) supported with key strikes, while fielding lapses were minimized – a stark contrast to past finals. Nadine de Klerk’s late resistance ended dramatically with Harmanpreet Kaur taking the winning catch off Deepti’s bowling, sealing the 52-run victory as South Africa folded at 246 all out in 45.3 overs.Post-match, an emotional Harmanpreet Kaur, holding the trophy aloft, said: “This is for every girl who dreamed of playing cricket in India. We’ve waited 12 years for this moment since 2017, and today, we made it ours.” Wolvaardt, gracious in defeat, lauded her team’s fight: “We gave it everything, but India’s all-round game was superior today.”Key Performers and Milestones
- Deepti Sharma: 78* with the bat, 5/41 with the ball – an all-round masterclass that earned her the #PlayerOfTheFinal honors.
- Shafali Verma: 67 runs and 2 wickets, embodying the fearless spirit of #NewGenCricket.
- Harmanpreet Kaur: The catch that clinched the title, plus tactical acumen throughout.
- Laura Wolvaardt (SA): 101 runs, the highest score by a batter in a losing cause in a World Cup final.
This win catapults India to join England, Australia, and New Zealand as the fourth nation to lift the Women’s ODI World Cup trophy. With a prize pool exceeding $13 million – a 297% increase from 2022 – the ICC’s commitment to gender equity is evident, as the winners’ share of $4.48 million surpasses even the men’s 2023 edition.Global Echoes and Future HorizonsThe victory sparked jubilation nationwide, with #TeamIndia trending worldwide on X, amassing millions of posts celebrating the “Wonder Women of Indian Cricket.” Even men’s captain Rohit Sharma was spotted emotional in the stands, tweeting: “Proud of these champions! #WomensWorldCup.” Internationally, the win is hailed as a booster for women’s sports in emerging markets, with BBC Sport noting: “A home World Cup triumph that will inspire generations.”As fireworks lit up Navi Mumbai’s skyline, the focus shifts to nurturing this momentum. Harmanpreet hinted at bolder ambitions: “This is just the start – greater heights await #IndianWomensCricket.” For now, though, it’s time to savor the glory of a maiden crown that redefines legacy.
