Navi Mumbai, Nov 2: In a historic moment for Indian cricket, Team India Women lifted their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup after defeating South Africa in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Led by a sensational 87-run knock from Shafali Verma and a dominant all-round display, India scripted a golden chapter in the history of women’s cricket.
India Triumphs with Grit and Glory
Batting first, India posted an impressive 298/7 in 50 overs, powered by Shafali Verma’s composed 87, supported by crucial middle-order contributions. The innings was marked by calculated aggression, intelligent strike rotation, and confident shot-making that reflected the team’s maturity under pressure.
In reply, South Africa showed resilience but fell short of the target despite a strong start. India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani, delivered exceptional performances, maintaining discipline and control throughout the innings. South Africa were eventually bowled out, handing India a comprehensive and emotional victory.
Player Awards: Deepti and Shafali Shine Bright
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🏆 Player of the Tournament: Deepti Sharma — for her consistent all-round brilliance, including a match-winning century in the semifinal and key batting contributions across the tournament.
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🌟 Player of the Final: Shafali Verma — for her vital 87-run innings that anchored India’s total and her sharp on-field leadership.
Deepti’s composure and versatility were instrumental in India’s campaign, while Shafali’s aggressive yet calculated play at the top set the tone for success.
India’s Road to Glory
India’s road to the title was nothing short of extraordinary. The team defeated several top contenders, including a record-breaking successful chase of 339 runs against Australia in the semifinal — the highest-ever chase in Women’s ODI history. The win showcased the team’s tactical sharpness, mental strength, and unity.
A Milestone for Indian Women’s Cricket
This triumph marks India’s first ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title, placing the nation alongside cricket powerhouses like Australia and England in the tournament’s illustrious winners list (1973–2025).
Beyond the trophy, this victory is seen as a turning point for women’s cricket in India, inspiring millions of young girls to take up the sport. Experts believe this achievement will significantly boost the sport’s visibility, funding, and participation across the country.
A Tournament of Unity and Progress
The 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup was jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, underscoring South Asia’s growing influence in global women’s cricket. It marked India’s fourth time hosting the prestigious tournament and Sri Lanka’s first, providing an ideal platform to showcase talent, passion, and sporting excellence.
A New Era Begins
As fireworks lit up the Mumbai sky and chants of “Jeetega India!” echoed through the stands, one thing became clear — this wasn’t just a victory, it was the dawn of a new era for Indian women’s cricket.
The triumph at DY Patil Stadium will be remembered as the moment India’s women took their rightful place on the world stage, inspiring generations to come.
