The Indian Women’s Cricket Team has finally ended a decades-long wait, making history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Final.1 Played in front of a packed crowd at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, this victory marks India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup crown.2
Key Match Highlights
| Team | Innings Score | Key Performers |
| India | 298/7 (50 Overs) | Shafali Verma (87 off 78), Deepti Sharma (58 off 58), Smriti Mandhana (45) |
| South Africa | 246 all out (45.3 Overs) | Laura Wolvaardt (101), Deepti Sharma (5/39), Shafali Verma (2/36) |
India’s Innings: The Blazing Start and Deepti’s Anchor
After a two-hour rain delay, South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl.3 India’s innings was powered by a phenomenal opening partnership of 104 between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.4 Verma, a late entrant to the squad who shone in the semi-final, was in devastating form, smashing 87 runs to lay a solid foundation.5
However, a middle-order collapse saw India slip, as the pitch offered help to the South African spinners.6 It took a composed, run-a-ball half-century from Deepti Sharma (58) and a crucial late cameo from Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) to push the total to a commanding 298/7.7
South Africa’s Chase: Wolvaardt’s Heroics Fall Short
Chasing a demanding target, South Africa’s hopes were carried almost single-handedly by their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, who played a magnificent innings, scoring a valiant 101.8 Her century kept the Proteas in the hunt, making her only the second woman to score back-to-back centuries in World Cup knockout games.
However, the Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, and the tide finally turned dramatically with the introduction of Deepti Sharma.9 The Player of the Tournament delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, registering superb figures of 5/39.10 Her crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Wolvaardt, triggered a collapse that saw South Africa crumble from 209/5 to 246 all out.11
The Historic Triumph
This victory was a moment of pure redemption for India, who had fallen short in the 2005 and 2017 World Cup finals.12 The win was a fitting culmination of years of hard work, marking a watershed moment for women’s cricket in the country. Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance, while Deepti Sharma was crowned Player of the Tournament.13 Captain Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the trophy, bringing the nation’s dream to life.14
