Navi Mumbai, India – The Indian Women’s Cricket Team has etched its name into history, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the D.Y. Patil Stadium to claim their first-ever ODI World Cup trophy. The victory, achieved in front of a roaring home crowd, ended India’s long wait for a global title, having finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2017.
India’s Innings:
Blistering Start, Deepti AnchorPut in to bat after a delayed start due to a wet outfield, India’s innings was anchored by a blistering century opening stand.Shafali Verma (87 off 78 balls) and Smriti Mandhana (45) set the tone with a rapid 104-run partnership. Shafali’s knock included seven fours and two sixes. The South African bowlers, led by Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/47), clawed back in the middle overs, dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20). All-rounder Deepti Sharma (58* off 58 balls) then played a crucial anchor role, combining with Richa Ghosh (34 off 24 balls) to ensure India posted a competitive total of 298/7.
South Africa’s Chase:
Wolvaardt’s Lone BattleChasing 299 for their maiden title, South Africa’s innings was a story of one exceptional performance surrounded by a collapse, ultimately undone by the brilliance of Deepti Sharma.Captain Laura Wolvaardt fought a magnificent lone battle, scoring a brilliant 101. She was the key to South Africa staying in the contest.However, once Wolvaardt fell to a crucial catch taken by Amanjot Kaur off Deepti Sharma, the momentum swung decisively towards India.Deepti Sharma was the undisputed star with the ball, finishing with a match-winning haul of 4 wickets for 39 runs (4/39). She also took a stunning final wicket to dismiss Nadine de Klerk, cementing her title as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and becoming the first player in Women’s World Cup history to achieve the rare double of 200+ runs and 15+ wickets in a single tournament.The final wicket fell in the 46th over, sparking massive celebrations as Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the coveted trophy, guaranteeing that a new champion would be crowned for the first time since 2000.
