Navi Mumbai, November 2, 2025 – In a thrilling culmination to the ICC Women's ODI World Cup, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium to lift their maiden title. Shafali Verma's explosive batting and crucial wickets, coupled with Deepti Sharma's masterful all-round performance, proved instrumental in the victory.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with a sell-out crowd of 45,000 fans. After a two-hour delay due to rain, India were put in to bat. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana provided a blistering start, stitching together a 104-run opening partnership. Verma, in particular, was aggressive from the outset, racing to 87 off 78 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes. Her aggressive approach set a strong foundation for India's innings.
Mandhana's dismissal for 45 brought Jemimah Rodrigues to the crease, who contributed a solid 24. However, South Africa fought back, with Ayabonga Khaka taking 3 wickets. Deepti Sharma then joined hands with Richa Ghosh to inject crucial late runs, pushing India to a competitive total of 298/7 in their 50 overs. Sharma scored 58 off 58 balls, while Ghosh added a quickfire 34 off 24 balls. India's total was the second-highest ever in a Women's World Cup final.
Chasing 299 for victory, South Africa's openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits started confidently, putting on 51 runs before Amanjot Kaur's direct hit sent Brits back. Wolvaardt tried her best to ensure South Africa remained in the hunt, notching up a sublime century. However, wickets kept falling at the other end, and the South African captain needed support.
The turning point came when Harmanpreet Kaur handed the ball to Shafali Verma. The young opener struck immediately, dismissing Sune Luus with a sharp caught-and-bowled before having Marizanne Kapp caught behind by Richa Ghosh. Deepti Sharma then took over, running through the South African innings and claiming five of the last six wickets to fall. She finished with figures of 5/39. Sharma's crucial wickets included that of Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk. Ultimately, South Africa were bowled out for 246.
Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round performance. Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Tournament for her consistent performances throughout the World Cup. She became the first player to score 200 runs and take 20 wickets in a single edition of the World Cup. She was also the first Indian player to be named Player of the Tournament in a Women's World Cup.
This victory marks a historic moment for Indian women's cricket. It is India's first-ever Women's World Cup title, ending a wait of 52 years. The win is expected to have a significant impact on the growth and popularity of the sport in India and globally.
