In this article, we take a look at the Top 3 match-winners whose performance could be crucial if India were to lift their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Trophy in Navi Mumbai on 2nd November 2025.
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana continues to shine as India’s most dependable batting star, building on a stellar career that already boasts 116 ODIs, 5277 runs, and 14 centuries. In the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, her form has been nothing short of outstanding 365 runs in eight matches at an average of 55.57, scoring crucial knocks that defined India’s campaign. Her century against New Zealand in a must win encounter was a masterclass in timing and temperament, guiding India into the semi-finals. Earlier, she struck 80 against Australia and 88 versus England, showing her ability to deliver on the big stage. Against South Africa, Mandhana’s consistency has been exceptional 929 runs in 19 matches at an average of 51.61, including three centuries. Her best innings against South Africa came in June 2024, a sensational 136 off 120 balls featuring 18 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 113.33. That elegant and fearless knock remains one of the finest by an Indian opener in recent years, symbolizing her dominance at the top.
All set for the Women’s World Cup final! 🏆
Here’s who’s been there before 👇#CricketTwitter #CWC25 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/ITjQZhhXEE
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 1, 2025
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma has been the heartbeat of India’s all-round strength. Her career numbers underline her importance 120 ODIs, 2681 runs, and 157 wickets, marking her as one of the world’s most effective spin-bowling all-rounders. Throughout this World Cup, Deepti has been invaluable in holding India’s innings together and breaking key partnerships. In eight games, she has taken 17 wickets and scored 153 runs, balancing aggression with control. Her standout display came against England, where she struck a composed half-century and took four wickets, keeping India alive in a tight contest. Against South Africa, Deepti’s record is equally impressive, 530 runs and 22 wickets in 24 ODIs. Her best performance came earlier this year in Colombo, where she scored a brilliant 93 and picked up 2 wickets. That innings, decorated with 10 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 110, showcased her ability to anchor and accelerate as the situation demanded. Always calm under pressure, Deepti has proven once again that she is India’s match-winner in crunch situations, both with bat and ball.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues has matured into one of India’s most influential middle-order batters. Her ODI career now stands at 58 matches, 1725 runs, and 3 centuries, along with a best bowling figure of 4 for 3, a rare blend of versatility and flair. This World Cup has been a defining one for her, with 268 runs in seven matches at an average of 67.00. Jemimah’s did not get a idol start from this world cup but in later stage her form has been remarkable, epitomized by her match winning 76 not out off 55 balls against New Zealand and a brilliant unbeaten 127 in the semi-final against Australia that powered India to the final. Against South Africa, her record 286 runs and a century in 12 matches , adds to her growing stature. Her best knock came in May 2025, an elegant 123 off 101 balls with 15 fours and a six at a strike rate of 121, a performance that combined aggression with class.
Together, Smriti Mandhana’s fluency, Deepti Sharma’s balance, and Jemimah Rodrigues’ composure have formed the backbone of India’s outstanding World Cup run. As the tournament reaches its climax, India will face South Africa in the 2025 World Cup final, a thrilling clash where both teams will be chasing their maiden world title, and these three game-changers along with the support of all team members will be the key to India’s dream of glory.
Loves all things female cricket