Historic Triumph! India’s Women Beat South Africa by 7 Wickets to Clinch Their 1st-Ever Cricket World Cup 2025
History created! India’s women’s cricket team defeated South Africa by 7 wickets to win their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 title.
India’s women have lifted the Cricket World Cup for the first time after beating South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai, India.
Reaching the final for a third time, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side dominated the contest from the off at DY Patil Stadium on Sunday, although South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt did her best to spoil the hosts’ party in the run chase.
Replying to India’s 298-7, Wolvaardt led from the off and totalled 101 off 98 when she was eventually caught in the deep off the bowling off Deepti Sharma, who finished with 5-39.
The support was not there for Wolvaardt, unlike that enjoyed throughout a team effort with the bat by India, as South Africa regularly lost wickets at the other end before being bowled out for 246 in the 46th over.
Wolvaardt’s heroic effort added to the century she scored in the semifinal win against England on Thursday. She is only the second player to achieve the feat of the back-to-back centuries at this stage of the competition after Alyssa Healy did so in Australia’s victorious run in the 2022 edition.
Neither team has lifted the trophy; indeed, this was South Africa’s first final.
India had come close twice before, reaching the final in 2005 and 2017, losing to Australia and England, respectively.
This was also the first women’s World Cup final that did not involve either Australia or England, the former being the record winners with seven victories to their name.
Having been put in, after a long delay due to rain, India posted the second-highest total in a women’s World Cup final. But they will feel they should have comfortably cleared 300, having reached 151-1 at the halfway stage of their innings.
Opener Smriti Mandhana’s 45 meant the India batter finished with 434 runs for the tournament.
It puts her top of India’s list of run scorers at a World Cup ahead of Mithali Raj, who registered 409 in the 2017 edition.
The limelight on the day belonged to her opening partner, however, as Shafali Verma struck 87 off 78.
Deepti Sharma’s run-a-ball 58 kept the momentum going through the middle over, while Richa Ghosh thumped two sixes in an innings of 34 off 24 late on that marked the best strike-rate of the innings.
South Africa started the chase solidly enough, the opening pair bringing up the fifty partnership in the 10th over. The loss of Tazmin Brits, run out by a brilliant piece of fielding by Amanjot Kaur for 23, started a wobble, though.
Anneke Bosch pushed back a painful six-ball duck before being trapped LBW by Sree Charani.
Verma then came to the party with the ball, picking up Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp to leave South Africa reeling on 123-4 in the 23rd over.
When Sinalo Jafta fell in the 30th with her side 148-5, it was difficult to see a way back for a team hoping to be the first senior side from their country to lift a major International Cricket Council (ICC) title.
By the time Wolvaardt’s innings was done, India’s women knew they were about to go one better than their male counterparts, who similarly hosted the 2023 edition only to be denied by Australia in the final.
History was made on Sunday night as India’s women’s cricket team defeated South Africa by 7 wickets to lift their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy in a thrilling 2025 final. The victory, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, marked a golden chapter in Indian cricket, fulfilling a dream that had eluded the nation for nearly five decades.
The final, held at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground, witnessed electrifying performances from both sides. But it was Team India’s composure under pressure and their unwavering belief that ultimately sealed the win — a win that will be remembered for generations.
South Africa, batting first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 247 runs. Their innings was powered by Laura Wolvaardt’s classy 82 off 95 balls and Marizanne Kapp’s quickfire 43. India’s bowlers, however, kept things tight, with Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh Thakur taking crucial wickets to restrict the momentum in the death overs.
Chasing 248 for victory, India got off to a steady start with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma putting up a strong 87-run opening partnership. The duo set the tone for the chase, frustrating South African bowlers with their mix of aggression and precision.
When Shafali fell for 42, captain Harmanpreet Kaur walked in and took charge of the innings with her signature calm and authority. Her unbeaten 78 off 65 balls, supported by Mandhana’s composed 69, guided India home with 10 balls to spare.
For Harmanpreet Kaur, the moment was nothing short of destiny. After leading the team through heartbreaks in previous tournaments, her determination and leadership finally paid off.
“I’ve waited my whole career for this moment,” said an emotional Harmanpreet during the post-match ceremony. “This is not just our victory — it’s for every Indian girl who dared to dream of playing cricket for her country.”
As she lifted the World Cup trophy from ICC Chair Jay Shah, fireworks illuminated the night sky, and the stadium erupted in cheers of “India! India!”. Harmanpreet’s signature Bhangra celebration that followed added the perfect touch of joy and pride to the historic moment.
While the entire team contributed to India’s World Cup success, several players stood out for their consistency and brilliance throughout the tournament:
Smriti Mandhana – The vice-captain was in sublime form, scoring over 450 runs in the tournament with four fifties and one century.
Deepti Sharma – A true all-rounder, Deepti’s spin bowling and lower-order batting proved decisive in tight situations.
Renuka Singh Thakur – Her ability to pick early wickets made her one of the most dangerous new-ball bowlers of the tournament.
Richa Ghosh – The young wicketkeeper-batter impressed with her finishing abilities, including crucial cameos in knockout games.
Despite the loss, South Africa earned widespread praise for their fighting spirit. The Proteas had been unbeaten in the tournament until the final and displayed tremendous depth and determination. Captain Sune Luus congratulated India and said, “We gave it our all, but tonight belonged to India. They were simply outstanding.”
Back home, celebrations erupted across India as fans poured onto the streets waving flags and chanting slogans. Social media exploded with messages of pride and admiration for the Women in Blue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, calling it “a proud moment for every Indian.”
“Team India’s women have made history. Their grit, teamwork, and spirit have made the nation proud. Congratulations to our champions!” he tweeted.
Bollywood stars and sporting legends joined in too. Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and PV Sindhu were among those who lauded the team’s triumph.
This historic victory is expected to be a game-changer for women’s cricket in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a ₹5 crore cash reward for the team, with plans to expand domestic women’s leagues and grassroots programs.
Sports analysts hailed the win as a defining moment that will inspire thousands of young girls to take up the sport. “This is India’s 1983 moment in women’s cricket,” said former cricketer Anjum Chopra. “It will change how the country views women’s sports forever.”
