In a landmark moment for Indian cricket, the national women’s team has lifted the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy for the first time in history, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final held at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Led by inspirational captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India defeated a spirited South African side to deliver a milestone victory that has already been dubbed India women’s “1983 moment” – a nod to the men’s team’s iconic World Cup win over 40 years ago.
Match Summary: India Post 298-7 Before Bowling Out South Africa for 246
After being sent in to bat due to rain delays, India posted a commanding total of 298-7, the second-highest score ever in an ICC Women’s World Cup final. The hosts showed exceptional skill and composure throughout the innings, with key contributions from the top order.
- Shafali Verma led the Indian charge with a blistering 87 off 78 balls.
- Smriti Mandhana added a valuable 45, bringing her tournament tally to 434 runs – the highest ever by an Indian woman in a World Cup.
- Deepti Sharma continued the momentum in the middle overs, scoring a run-a-ball 58, and also starred with the ball later, taking 5-39.
- Richa Ghosh finished strong with 34 off 24 deliveries, striking at the best strike rate of the innings.
Despite falling short of the 300-run mark after being 151-1 at the halfway stage, India’s total proved more than enough as their bowlers stepped up under pressure.
Laura Wolvaardt’s Lone Heroics Not Enough for South Africa
Chasing 299 for victory, South Africa’s hopes were pinned on captain Laura Wolvaardt, who played a magnificent lone hand with a 101 off 98 balls — her second consecutive century after her semifinal ton against England.
Wolvaardt displayed exceptional form and grit, becoming just the second player in history to score back-to-back centuries in World Cup knockouts, following Australia’s Alyssa Healy in 2022. However, with wickets tumbling at the other end, South Africa failed to build a solid partnership.
After a promising start, they crumbled under pressure:
- Tazmin Brits’ run-out by Amanjot Kaur for 23 triggered an early slump.
- Sree Charani and Shafali Verma inflicted further damage with crucial wickets.
- From 148-5 by the 30th over, the chase seemed insurmountable despite Wolvaardt’s heroics.
Ultimately, South Africa were bowled out for 246 in the 46th over, and India sealed a historic moment in front of a rapturous home crowd.
A First for Women’s Cricket in India
Although India had reached the Women’s Cricket World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017, they fell short on both occasions – losing to Australia and England respectively. This victory marks a remarkable turnaround and a major breakthrough for women’s cricket in the country.
Notably, this was the first World Cup final not involving either Australia or England, with Australia having dominated the tournament historically with seven titles.
India’s triumph comes just two years after their men’s team fell short in the 2023 ICC World Cup final on home soil, making this victory all the more special.
Reaction and Celebration
After lifting the trophy with pride, captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s resilience and unity throughout the tournament.
“This win is not just for us as players, but for every young girl in India who dreams of playing cricket,” Kaur said, holding back tears of joy.
India’s dominating performance throughout the tournament has been hailed as a turning point for the sport in the region, with many fans and pundits saying it will inspire a new generation of female cricketers.
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