India Beat South Africa By 52 Runs To Win Maiden ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Title
History has been made in Navi Mumbai. The Indian women’s cricket team lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a pulsating final at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday (November 2). ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
In a match that had everything power-hitting, spin magic, tension, and emotion India held their nerve under pressure to etch their name in cricketing history. ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
🇮🇳 India’s Journey To Glory
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side entered the final with immense confidence after toppling defending champions Australia in the semi-final. South Africa, on the other hand, stunned England to reach their second-ever World Cup final. ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
But under the floodlights in Navi Mumbai, it was India’s night to remember. From Shafali Verma’s fiery start to Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance, the team showed composure and unity in a high-pressure contest watched by a packed crowd of more than 45,000 fans. ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
First Innings: Shafali Verma And Deepti Sharma Power India To 298/7
After a rain-delayed toss, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit the early swing. But her decision backfired as Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma blazed away to give India a dream start.
The opening duo added 104 runs for the first wicket, punishing anything loose from the South African pacers. Mandhana looked fluent during her 45-run knock, peppered with eight boundaries, before edging behind off Chloe Tryon. ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
Shafali, however, was unstoppable. The 21-year-old opener smashed 87 off just 78 balls, laced with 12 fours and 2 sixes. Her aggression set the tone for India’s innings and put the opposition bowlers under constant pressure.
After her dismissal, India’s momentum dipped slightly as Jemimah Rodrigues (24 off 37) and Harmanpreet Kaur (20 off 29) failed to convert their starts. But Deepti Sharma stood firm, once again proving why she is India’s most dependable all-rounder. ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
Deepti’s unbeaten 58 off 58 balls was a masterclass in rotating strike and keeping calm. Her partnership with Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) in the final overs lifted India to a formidable 298/7 in 50 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers — Ayabonga Khaka (2/48) and Chloe Tryon (2/54) — were the pick of the lot, but the Indian batters had already done the damage.
Second Innings: Wolvaardt Fights Alone As Deepti Spins A Web
Chasing 299, South Africa got off to a decent start thanks to Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who added 52 runs for the first wicket. But the breakthrough came through a brilliant piece of fielding — Amanjot Kaur’s direct hit catching Brits short of her crease for 23.
The dismissal sparked a collapse. Anneke Bosch fell for a six-ball duck to Shree Charani, and Sune Luus (25 off 31) became Shafali Verma’s first victim after attempting a rash shot. Shafali, who had already impressed with the bat, struck again to remove Marizanne Kapp (4) — turning the game firmly in India’s favor.
Wolvaardt, meanwhile, continued to wage a lone battle. Her 101 off 118 balls was a display of class, grit, and timing, but she found little support from the middle order.
Deepti Sharma then produced a sensational spell to seal the contest — dismissing Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon, and Annerie Dercksen to complete a four-wicket haul (4/41). Her discipline and clever variations choked the scoring and dismantled South Africa’s chase. ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
From 162/3, the Proteas slumped to 246 all out in 46.3 overs, falling short by 52 runs.
India Lift The Trophy — A Dream Fulfilled
As Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the World Cup trophy under the DY Patil lights, tears flowed freely among the Indian players. Years of heartbreak from the 2005 and 2017 finals were finally avenged..
The victory marked the culmination of India’s decade-long journey toward global dominance in women’s cricket. It was also poetic justice for stalwarts like Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Harmanpreet Kaur, who have carried the hopes of millions for years.
Player Of The Match & Player Of The Tournament
Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance — 58* with the bat and 4/41 with the ball. ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
Shafali Verma, meanwhile, was declared Player of the Tournament for her explosive batting displays throughout the competition, finishing as India’s top run-getter. ICC Womens ODI World Cup 2025
Match Summary
India Women: 298/7 (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58*, Smriti Mandhana 45; Khaka 2/48, Tryon 2/54)
South Africa Women: 246 all out in 46.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Sune Luus 25; Deepti Sharma 4/41, Shafali Verma 2/29)
Result: India won by 52 runs
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
Series: ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Final
