India Women vs South Africa Women: India secured a historic moment in world cricket by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. With this remarkable victory, the Women in Blue lifted their maiden World Cup trophy, ending a long wait and etching their name in history. From Smriti Mandhana to Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, take a look at India’s stunning victory and the team’s jubilant celebration on the field.
The Road to the Final
The journey wasn’t smooth. India entered the tournament with high hopes but were hit by turbulence in the group stage, suffering three consecutive losses—including one to South Africa.
Those defeats might have shaken confidence, but they didn’t break resolve. The squad regrouped, found momentum and produced one of the most stunning semi-final performances, chasing down 339 against the defending champions to book their place in the final.
Across camps and in the stands you sensed the weight of history. Long-standing players had felt heartbreak before. Now the opportunity was shining.
The Final — Setting the Scene
On that Sunday night in Navi Mumbai the stadium roared. A sea of blue, thousands of supporters, and a dusk sky that held the promise of something special. South Africa had made it to a first final too, looking for their maiden 50-over crown. India too, hunting their first. The stakes were monumental.
India won the toss and elected to bat. With a weather delay and a full house, tension hung in the air. But once the first overs rolled, India settled.
India’s Innings: Power, Composure & Statement
The opener pair set the tone. Shafali Verma exploded with 87 off 78 as India laid a formidable foundation. She put on a century-stand opening with Smriti Mandhana (who contributed 45) to get the scoreboard moving; at 100+ inside the power-play the intent was clear.
Then came the steady, crucial contribution from all-rounder Deepti Sharma—58 runs at a run-a-ball pace, adding depth to the total. With late acceleration from players like Richa Ghosh (34) India ended at 298 for 7 after 50 overs—an imposing target.
In doing so, they showed a blend of fearless hitting and careful building—a balance often elusive in finals.
South Africa’s Response & India’s Bowling Fightback
Chasing nearly 300 in a final is never straightforward. South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with a magnificent century (101) but despite her valiant effort, the target proved too steep. She eventually fell in the 42nd over, at a crucial juncture.
India’s bowling attack, anchored by Deepti Sharma, rose to the occasion. Her figures—5 for 39—told the story of control, pressure and timely breakthroughs. She removed key batters at critical moments.
Then there was the moment of magic: Shafali Verma picked up two wickets, including that of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, turning the momentum India’s way. Her match-winning all-round show earned her the Player of the Match.
The fielding, the energy, the collective belief—all clicked. India wrapped the game by bowling South Africa out for 246 in 45.3 overs, sealing a 52-run victory.
Emotions, Memories & Celebration
When that final wicket fell, the roar was deafening. For many players, this had been a long wait: past heartbreak in finals, near misses, the shadow of what could have bee
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur held the trophy aloft, tears in her eyes, as the team embraced, danced and celebrated amidst fireworks and chants. The crowd, full of hope and pride, added to the magic. For the sport in India, this felt less like an upset and more like a moment of reckoning: women’s cricket is no longer in the wings—it’s center-stage.
Why This Matters
A maiden World Cup for India in the women’s 50-over format. This lifts the sport to new heights.
It’s a generational moment: young cricketers growing up in India now have heroes to emulate on the global stage.
The balance of batting and bowling, veteran experience and youthful fearlessness, pointed to a team evolving and peaking at the right moment.
It also signals that in women’s cricket, today’s underdogs can become tomorrow’s champions through one wholehearted campaign.
The Heroes of the Night
Shafali Verma: A blazing opener, 87 with the bat, two wickets with the ball, spearheading India’s campaign.
Deepti Sharma: The all-round architect—58 runs, 5 for 39 with the ball, and Player of the Tournament. Her contribution was multifaceted and match-defining.
Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, the bowlers and fielders—all played their parts in this ensemble.
Views: 3