New Delhi: In a historic moment for Indian cricket, the national women’s team secured their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday night.
The nation erupted in celebrations as BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a reward of ₹51 crore for the players and support staff, describing the victory as a “monumental achievement that will take Indian women’s cricket to a new level.”
Additionally, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal praised the team’s accomplishment, comparing it to India’s legendary 1983 men’s World Cup victory.
“It’s a red-letter day for Indian women’s cricket. What the men’s team achieved in 1983, the Indian women have recreated today in Mumbai. This historic triumph will give a tremendous boost to women’s cricket in the country, and I’m confident our game will now reach new heights,” Dhumal told IANS.
India batted first and posted a commanding score of 298 for 7, largely thanks to Shafali Verma’s impressive innings of 87 runs, Deepti Sharma’s composed 58, and valuable contributions from Smriti Mandhana, who scored 45, and Richa Ghosh, who added 34 runs. A solid opening partnership of 100 runs between Mandhana and Verma laid a strong foundation for a substantial total. However, South Africa managed to claw back in the latter stages of the innings, keeping India just below the 300-mark.
In response, South Africa began their chase confidently, with Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt forming a brisk opening partnership that yielded 50 runs. However, a sharp direct hit from Amanjot Kaur ended Brits’ innings, allowing India to take control of the match.
Young pacer Sree Charani made an impact in her first over, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW. Shafali Verma, who also excelled with the ball, delivered a game-changing spell by quickly dismissing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.
Deepti Sharma then put on a dream performance, taking 5 wickets for 39 runs, which dismantled South Africa’s middle order. Despite a fighting century of 101 runs from Wolvaardt, South Africa fell short, being bowled out for 246 runs in 45.3 overs. India secured a memorable 52-run victory amidst roaring support from the home crowd.
As the tricolor flag soared high and the players embraced in tears of joy, this moment marked not only a World Cup triumph but also the dawn of a new era for Indian women’s cricket.
Brief Scores:
India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3-58) beat South Africa 246 all out in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5-39, Shafali Verma 2-36) by 52 runs.
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Caption: Navi Mumbai: India’s players celebrate with the trophy during the presentation ceremony after winning the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Monday, November 3, 2025. (Photo: IANS)
