Navi Mumbai, November 3, 2025 - In a moving display of team spirit, Jemimah Rodrigues gifted her Best Fielder medal to Amanjot Kaur following India's historic 52-run victory over South Africa in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium. The gesture celebrated Kaur's pivotal catch that dismissed South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, a moment widely seen as a turning point in the match.
India, hosting the tournament for the fourth time, secured their first-ever World Cup title, marking a monumental achievement for women's cricket in the nation. After stellar performances in the 2005 and 2017 World Cups, the team finally clinched the coveted trophy in 2025.
The match saw India set a total of 298/7, with Shafali Verma leading the charge with a remarkable 87 off 78 balls. The South African team was eventually bowled out for 246, thanks to a strong performance by the Indian bowlers. Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performance with both bat and ball.
Amanjot Kaur's contribution extended beyond her crucial catch. Early in South Africa's innings, she executed a sharp run-out of Tazmin Brits, which helped to break a threatening partnership. However, it was her catch to dismiss Wolvaardt that truly captured the moment. Wolvaardt, who was proving to be a formidable threat, launched a shot towards deep mid-wicket. Kaur initially juggled the ball but managed to secure it with a diving catch, sending the South African captain back to the pavilion.
At the medal ceremony, Rodrigues lauded Kaur's effort, saying, "You didn't just catch that catch, you caught the World Cup". She highlighted that moments like these can change lives forever, emphasizing the significance of Kaur's contribution. Kaur herself acknowledged the catch as one of the toughest of her career, admitting to never having fumbled a catch like that before.
India's fielding coach, Munish Bali, also praised Kaur and the entire team for their dedication and commitment to fielding. He revealed that the team maintained a leaderboard throughout the tournament to track fielding excellence, with Smriti Mandhana leading in catches.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash prize of INR 51 Crore for the victorious Indian team. The win sparked celebrations across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent figures extending their congratulations.
Amanjot Kaur, an emerging all-rounder from Punjab, made her international debut in 2023. Her performance in the World Cup final has cemented her place as a key player in the Indian team.
