The floodlights shone brightly over the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as India Women etched their names in cricketing history, clinching the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 title with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa Women. The grand finale witnessed skill, nerve and sheer determination — a perfect celebration of how far women’s cricket has come in India.
India Women – 298/7 (50 ov)
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. Mandhana | 45 | 58 | 8 | 0 | 77.59 |
| S. Verma | 87 | 78 | 7 | 2 | 111.54 |
| J. Rodrigues | 24 | 37 | 1 | 0 | 64.86 |
| H. Kaur (C) | 20 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 68.97 |
| D. Sharma | 58 | 58 | 5 | 1 | 100.00 |
| A. Kaur | 14 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 85.71 |
| R. Ghosh (Wk) | 34 | 24 | 3 | 2 | 141.67 |
| Extras | 15 (NB 1, W 12, LB 2) | ||||
| Total | 298/7 (50 ov) | ||||
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M. Kapp | 10 | 1 | 59 | 0 | 5.90 |
| A. Khaka | 9 | 0 | 58 | 3 | 6.44 |
| N. Malaba | 10 | 0 | 47 | 2 | 5.70 |
| N. de Klerk | 9 | 0 | 52 | 1 | 5.78 |
| C. Tryon | 7 | 0 | 46 | 0 | 6.57 |
South Africa Women – 246 (45.3 ov)
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L. Wolvaardt (C) | 101 | 98 | 11 | 1 | 103.06 |
| T. Brits | 23 | 35 | 2 | 1 | 65.71 |
| A. Bosch | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| S. Luus | 25 | 31 | 4 | 0 | 80.65 |
| M. Kapp | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 80.00 |
| S. Jafta (Wk) | 16 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 55.17 |
| A. Dercksen | 35 | 37 | 1 | 2 | 94.59 |
| C. Tryon | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 112.50 |
| N. de Klerk | 18 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 94.74 |
| A. Khaka | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14.29 |
| Extras | 14 (NB 2, W 12) | ||||
| Total | 246 all out (45.3 ov) | ||||
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R. Singh | 8 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 3.50 |
| K. Goud | 3 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 5.33 |
| A. Kaur | 4 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 8.50 |
| D. Sharma | 9.3 | 0 | 39 | 5 | 4.11 |
| N. Charani | 9 | 0 | 40 | 1 | 4.44 |
| R. Yadav | 5 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 9.00 |
| S. Verma | 7 | 0 | 36 | 2 | 5.14 |
India’s Aggressive Start Lays a Solid Foundation
Opting to bat first on a dry surface, India displayed their intent from the opening over. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma began confidently, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike fluently. Their chemistry at the top was evident as the pair added 92 runs in just 12 overs, sending the packed Navi Mumbai crowd into raptures.
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Read Full ArticleMandhana’s elegant 45 from 58 balls was a lesson in timing, while Shafali’s thunderous 87 off 78 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and 3 sixes, embodied the fearless cricket this generation stands for. She dismantled South Africa’s pace attack before falling to a clever slower ball from Marizanne Kapp.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20) and Jemimah Rodrigues (24) steadied the innings, ensuring India didn’t lose momentum after quick wickets. By the 30th over, the scoreboard read 170/3 — India were eyeing a 350-plus total, but disciplined bowling in the middle overs slightly restricted the flow of runs.
Deepti Sharma once again rose to the occasion, scoring a composed 58 off 58 balls. Her partnerships with Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) and Pooja Vastrakar (22 off 17) pushed India to a competitive 298/7 in 50 overs — a total that reflected both aggression and maturity.
Proteas Start Strong but Falter Under Pressure
South Africa began their chase positively, led by opener Laura Wolvaardt, whose crisp stroke-play delighted neutral fans. Alongside Anneke Bosch, she added 58 runs before Renuka Singh broke through with a sharp in-swinger. India’s bowlers then tightened the screws, slowing the scoring rate significantly.
Deepti Sharma’s control in the middle overs was exceptional; her ability to vary flight and pace earned her the prized wicket of Wolvaardt (61). From 102/2, South Africa lost three wickets for just 28 runs — a collapse that shifted the momentum decisively.
Nadine de Klerk offered resistance with a fighting 47, while Sune Luus attempted to rebuild, but Shafali Verma’s surprise spell dealt a double blow — removing both batters and sealing South Africa’s fate. They eventually folded for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India a 52-run victory and a historic title.
Stars of the Final: Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma
Every great final has its heroes — and for India, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were those shining lights. Shafali’s explosive 87 and her two key wickets earned her the Player of the Match award, while Deepti’s consistency throughout the tournament saw her crowned Player of the Tournament.
Deepti’s tactical brilliance with the ball (2/38 in 10 overs) and her ability to handle pressure underscored why she is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in modern cricket. Her calmness at the crease and sharp decision-making helped India navigate tough phases seamlessly.
Shafali’s rise has been meteoric — from a young prodigy to a match-winner on the world stage. Her attacking intent has redefined the tone of Indian women’s cricket and inspired a generation of fearless players.
India’s Journey to the Title
The road to the World Cup final was anything but easy. India started their campaign with a narrow loss to Australia but bounced back with emphatic wins over England, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Each victory strengthened their self-belief and showcased the team’s growing cohesion.
The semi-final against New Zealand was perhaps their most testing encounter. Batting first on a slow pitch, India managed 243 — thanks to Deepti Sharma’s half-century and late fireworks from Richa Ghosh. In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for 228, as Renuka Singh and Rajeshwari Gayakwad combined brilliantly under pressure.
By the time the team reached Navi Mumbai for the final, there was a quiet confidence in the camp. Their balance of youth and experience, tactical planning, and mental strength made them the most complete side in the tournament.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Leadership and Team Spirit
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership was one of the defining factors of India’s success. Calm under pressure, she brought tactical sharpness and emotional balance to the squad. Her field placements in the final — especially the attacking ring against Wolvaardt — reflected her instinctive captaincy.
“This trophy belongs to every woman in India who dreams big,” she said post-match, her voice breaking with emotion. “We’ve waited long for this, and the girls have delivered with heart and discipline.”
Team India’s unity and positivity were visible throughout the tournament — whether in on-field celebrations or the dug-out energy. Coach Amol Muzumdar’s quiet but methodical approach also played a pivotal role in keeping the squad grounded.
Record Viewership and Nationwide Celebrations
As the final wicket fell, fireworks erupted above Navi Mumbai’s skyline. Across India, celebrations broke out — from Delhi to Chennai, from Patna to Pune. Social media platforms overflowed with joy, as #WomenInBlue and #WorldCupChampions trended globally.
The BCCI announced ₹5 crore prize money for the squad and a grand felicitation ceremony in Mumbai’s Marine Drive to honor the champions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, saying, “Our women have once again made the nation proud. This victory will inspire millions.”
Former cricketers, including Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, lauded the team’s professionalism and spirit, emphasizing that this win could be a turning point for women’s sports in India.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
This triumph marks not just a sporting achievement but a cultural shift. India’s success at the DY Patil Stadium will encourage more investment, infrastructure, and grassroots programs for girls’ cricket. The Women’s Premier League (WPL), launched two years ago, has already proven to be a breeding ground for emerging talent — a trend likely to accelerate post-World Cup.
The Indian Cricket Board has hinted at building a high-performance center exclusively for women in Bengaluru, focusing on fitness, biomechanics and analytics — areas that have significantly evolved in the men’s game.
Experts believe this victory could change the global perception of Indian cricket, transforming the team from challengers to consistent favorites in every major tournament.
Final Thoughts: A Golden Chapter Begins
As the tricolor fluttered proudly over Navi Mumbai, it symbolized more than a win — it represented years of dedication, countless sacrifices, and the unbreakable spirit of Indian women. For the players who once dreamed of this moment as little girls, it was validation that passion and perseverance can rewrite destiny.
The 2025 Women’s World Cup final will be remembered not just for its cricketing brilliance but for its emotion, unity and the promise it holds for the future. The Women in Blue have not only conquered the world; they have conquered hearts.
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