India triumphed in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai on November 2 to secure their first-ever title in a thrilling contest marked by standout performances and high emotion.
The final, delayed by rain, opened with India’s batters setting a powerful tone. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma forged a 104-run partnership, with Verma’s aggressive 87 off 78 balls anchoring the innings after Mandhana’s composed 45. Their confident stroke-play and running between the wickets rattled South Africa’s bowlers and energized the home crowd.
Following the opening stand, India’s middle order saw short but valuable contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and Harmanpreet Kaur (20). South Africa struck back during this phase, but Deepti Sharma stabilized the innings with a composed 58, and Richa Ghosh’s late 34 off 24 balls ensured India finished with a commanding 298 for 7 in 50 overs.
Chasing 299, South Africa began positively but lost early wickets at key intervals. Captain Laura Wolvaardt kept her team in the hunt with a sublime century (101 off 98 balls), showcasing timing and resilience. However, regular dismissals at the other end meant momentum slipped away despite her heroics.
The pivotal moment of the match came through Deepti Sharma’s brilliant bowling. She broke South Africa’s resistance with a five-wicket haul (5/39), including the crucial wicket of Wolvaardt. Her spell transformed the run chase’s complexion, triggering a Proteas collapse from 209/5 to 246 all out, sealing India’s historic win.
India’s electric fielding and disciplined bowling stemmed South Africa’s scoring. Shafali Verma and Sree Charani chipped in with timely wickets, while pressure mounted on the batters, leading to a flurry of dismissals during the final 10 overs.
The tension in Navi Mumbai was palpable as wickets tumbled, and the Indian support roared with each breakthrough. The last wicket triggered wild celebrations as decades of near-misses finally gave way to jubilation and history for the Indian women’s team.
This landmark triumph is monumental for Indian women’s cricket, finally breaking the jinx after finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017. India’s journey this year, marked by resilience after mid-tournament setbacks, culminated in a crowning achievement for the side and its passionate supporters.
India’s World Cup victory is a catalyst for transformation within women’s cricket in the country. The win is expected to inspire a new generation of players, attract sponsorship, and further the case for investment, professionalism, and parity in pay and recognition—cementing India as a future powerhouse in the sport.
The magnitude of this victory extends beyond silverware. It elevates the Indian women’s team’s profile, echoes the glory attained by the men’s team in 2011, and fuels hope for wider societal support and media coverage. The success story in 2025 stands as a beacon for young girls, proving dreams can be realized on the greatest stage.
With this maiden World Cup title, Indian women’s cricket embarks on a new era. As celebrations sweep across the nation, expectations rise for even greater achievements, deeper grassroots reach, and a lasting legacy for cricket and women’s sports in India.
Loves all things female cricket