ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final Highlights: The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai witnessed a moment for the ages on 2 November 2025, as India Women’s cricket team lifted their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup by defeating South Africa Women by 52 runs.
Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Team India displayed grit, skill, and composure in a high-pressure final, ending years of heartbreak and cementing their name in world cricket history.
This victory wasn’t just about the silverware—it was a celebration of how far women’s cricket has come in India, with a packed stadium, roaring crowd, and a performance worthy of champions.
First Innings: Shafali and Deepti Script the Dream Total
Winning the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first on a flat Navi Mumbai pitch. The decision paid off handsomely as openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana provided a flying start.
Shafali Verma played a dazzling knock of 87 off 78 balls, peppered with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Mandhana supported well with a steady 45 before falling to Ayabonga Khaka.
In the middle overs, Deepti Sharma (58 off 58) anchored the innings perfectly, ensuring the momentum never dipped.
A quickfire 34 from Richa Ghosh in the final overs helped India post an imposing 298/7 in 50 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers tried to contain the flow, with Khaka (3/58) being the standout performer. But India’s intent and positive stroke play ensured the Proteas were always under pressure.
Second Innings: Wolvaardt Fights Alone as India’s Bowlers Dominate
Chasing 299, South Africa started cautiously. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits looked solid initially, adding 64 runs before Amanjot Kaur’s direct hit sent Brits packing.
From there, India tightened their grip on the game. Wolvaardt fought valiantly with a brilliant century (101 off 113 balls), keeping her team’s hopes alive. But once she was dismissed by Deepti Sharma, the chase crumbled.
India’s spinners dictated terms in the middle overs:
Deepti Sharma took 5/39, dismantling South Africa’s middle order.
Pooja Vastrakar and Shafali Verma picked key wickets to ensure the momentum stayed with India.
The fielding unit backed the bowlers superbly with direct hits and sharp catches.
South Africa eventually folded for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India a historic 52-run victory.
Star Performers
Player of the Match: Shafali Verma – 87 runs & 1 wicket
Player of the Tournament: Deepti Sharma – 22 wickets & consistent all-round performances
Deepti Sharma became the first Indian woman to achieve the “double” of over 250 runs and 20 wickets in a single World Cup — an incredible feat that places her among global greats.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
| India Women | 298/7 | 50.0 | Won by 52 runs |
| South Africa Women | 246 all out | 45.3 |
Top Scorers (India): Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Richa Ghosh 34
Top Scorer (South Africa): Laura Wolvaardt 101
Best Bowlers (India): Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/35
Turning Points of the Match
- India’s Solid Opening Partnership: The 104-run stand between Shafali and Mandhana set the tone early.
- Deepti’s All-Round Magic: Her wicket of Wolvaardt sealed the game.
- Amanjot’s Run-Out of Brits: Sparked the collapse and shifted momentum firmly in India’s favor.
- Disciplined Bowling Attack: Indian bowlers maintained tight lines, never allowing South Africa to accelerate.
Post-Match Reactions
Harmanpreet Kaur (India Captain): “We’ve waited a long time for this moment. Every player gave her heart for the nation. This trophy belongs to the people of India.”
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Captain): “Credit to India. They were the better team today. We fought hard, but they deserved this win.”
Deepti Sharma: “It’s a dream come true. This is the proudest day of my life, and to do it in front of our fans makes it even more special.”
What This Win Means for Indian Women’s Cricket
This World Cup victory is expected to revolutionize women’s cricket in India.
Increased sponsorships, media coverage, and grassroots participation are likely to follow.
The triumph also cements India as a dominant force in both men’s and women’s cricket.
With a young core—Shafali, Richa, Jemimah, and Deepti—the future looks brighter than ever.
