India etched their name in history on November 2, 2025, at the Dr DY Patil Stadium by clinching their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title after a gripping final against South Africa. The climax of the tournament saw both teams—each vying for their first-ever World Cup trophy—demonstrate remarkable skill and determination.
South Africa, after winning the toss, chose to field first, putting India in to bat under the high-pressure atmosphere of a world final. Rising to the occasion, the Indian batters crafted a commanding total of 298 runs, setting a formidable challenge for the Proteas. The Indian innings was a showcase of depth and resilience, led by Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s 45, as the top and middle order navigated a probing South African attack to build a competitive score.
As the South African team took to the crease for their chase, hope was reignited by an extraordinary century from their inspirational captain, Laura Wolvaardt. Her innings, marked by poise and aggression, kept South Africa in contention deep into the game. However, India struck at crucial moments, their bowlers holding their nerve and striking key blows to ultimately restrict South Africa well short of the target, sealing a 52 runs victory and setting off celebrations across the country.
Yet, as Indian players erupted in jubilation, a moment of true sportsperson became the lasting image of the final. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, cornerstone figures of the Indian batting lineup, left their own celebrations to reach out to the devastated South African players. In a heartwarming gesture that quickly went viral, Mandhana, Rodrigues and even Radha Yadav, were seen consoling Marizanne Kapp, Laura Wolvaardt, and their teammates. Tears flowed among the South African players, who had poured their hearts into the campaign only to fall agonizingly short at the last hurdle.
South Africa entered the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 with strong determination, though their campaign began in the most unexpected way. After being bowled out for just 69 runs and losing to England by 10 wickets, their prospects looked uncertain. However, under the calm leadership of Laura Wolvaardt, the team refused to let one setback define them. They responded brilliantly with five consecutive victories — beating New Zealand by 6 wickets, India by 3 wickets, and Bangladesh by 3 wickets.
Building on this momentum, South Africa dominated Sri Lanka with a 10-wicket triumph and crushed Pakistan by 150 runs. Each performance reflected their growing confidence, unity, and fighting spirit, reestablishing them as a formidable force in women’s cricket. In their last group stage match, South Africa faced a setback against Australia, getting bowled out for just 97 runs and losing by 7 wickets. The real turning point came in the semifinals when they faced England once again. This time, South Africa’s batting fired in full force, piling up 319 runs before their bowlers decimated England for 194 — a performance that sealed their spot in the final for the very first time.
Reacting after the defeat, Laura Wolvaardt expressed immense pride in her team’s journey. “I could not be prouder of this team for the campaign we had. Brilliant cricket throughout but outplayed today by India. Unfortunate to be on the losing side, but we will definitely grow from this,” she remarked. Wolvaardt reflected on the highs and lows of South Africa’s campaign, acknowledging their bounce-back from tough defeats and the mental demands of leading while batting. Her words encapsulated the spirit of a team that, despite heartbreak, embodied passion and character.
The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final will thus be remembered not only for India’s historic triumph but for the sportsmanship and grace that defined its conclusion. The sight of Mandhana, Rodrigues and Radha comforting their opponents gave the world a moving reminder of what truly matters in sport: a respect for the game and for each other, in victory and defeat alike.
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