Navi Mumbai, November 2, 2025 — The wait is finally over. India etched their name in cricketing history on Sunday night, clinching their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium.

After two decades of heartbreak — from the 2005 and 2017 finals to the 2022 Commonwealth Games defeat — Harmanpreet Kaur’s team delivered the performance of a lifetime, igniting celebrations across the nation.

Shafali Verma Leads India’s Charge

Opener Shafali Verma produced a career-defining innings, smashing 87 off 78 balls with seven fours and two sixes. The 21-year-old became the youngest cricketer — male or female — to score a fifty in a World Cup final. Her attacking intent set the tone for India’s innings and powered an opening stand of 104 runs with Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58).

Middle-order anchor Deepti Sharma maintained the momentum with a fluent 58 off 58 balls, while Richa Ghosh added a brisk 34 off 24 to propel India to a formidable 298/7. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 58.

Wolvaardt Fights Alone as India’s Bowlers Seal the Deal

South Africa’s chase was led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who battled valiantly for a magnificent 101 off 98 balls. However, her lone resistance was undone by India’s disciplined bowling attack.

Deepti Sharma turned the game decisively with a sensational 5 for 39 in 9.3 overs — the first five-wicket haul by an Indian woman in a World Cup final. Shafali Verma capped her all-round brilliance by dismissing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in consecutive overs (2/36), while Shree Charani and Amanjot Kaur contributed key breakthroughs and a sharp run-out respectively.

South Africa eventually folded for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India a 52-run win and a moment of immortality.

Awards and Records

• Player of the Match: Shafali Verma (87 runs, 2 wickets)
• Player of the Tournament: Deepti Sharma (215 runs, 22 wickets) – the first player in Women’s World Cup history to achieve over 200 runs and 20 wickets in a single edition.

Voices from the Victory

Harmanpreet Kaur, reflecting on the journey, said:

“Not a single player said ‘what will happen now’ when things weren’t going our way after the England loss. That night changed a lot for us — we came back stronger and united.”

On breaking barriers, she added:

“We know how it feels to lose. This win is not the end — it’s just the beginning.”

Shafali Verma, speaking about her performance, said:

“I told myself God sent me here to do something special — and today, that belief came true.”

Celebration and Legacy

The BCCI announced a ₹51 crore cash reward for the victorious squad. India’s triumph ended years of near-misses and established a new era for women’s cricket in the country — one defined by belief, depth, and unity.

Final Score:

🏆 India 298/7 (50 overs) 🇿🇦 South Africa 246 (45.3 overs) India won by 52 runs.

Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Toss: South Africa won, elected to field (after two-hour rain delay)