The roar of 50,000 fans shook Navi Mumbai as fireworks lit the night sky – India had just rewritten cricket history. After 48 years of waiting, the nation finally has its first women’s World Cup champions.
The Victory That Broke All Barriers
Team India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at DY Patil Stadium on November 2, 2025. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the gleaming trophy as tears streamed down Smriti Mandhana’s face. The moment marked the culmination of decades of struggle for recognition in women’s cricket.
| Match Highlights | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 298/7 (50 overs) | 246 (45.3 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Shafali Verma (87) | Laura Wolvaardt (101) |
| Best Bowler | Deepti Sharma (5/42) | Ayabonga Khaka (2/48) |
How The Battle Unfolded
India’s Strong Batting Start
After rain delayed the toss, South Africa chose to bowl first. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India a rocket start:
- 50 runs in just 6.3 overs
- 100 partnership in 17.2 overs
- Shafali’s explosive 87 off 78 balls
South Africa’s Gutsy Chase
Chasing 299, South Africa fought hard with captain Laura Wolvaardt scoring a brilliant 101. But Deepti Sharma’s magical spin bowling turned the game:
- 5 wickets for 42 runs – the best figures in a WWC final
- Key dismissals of Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon
- 2 crucial wickets from Shafali’s surprise bowling
Emotional Scenes At Victory
The stadium erupted when Deepti Sharma took the final wicket. Players embraced while fans chanted “India! India!”. Captain Harmanpreet shared:
“This isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. We’ve broken the barrier and will make winning a habit.”
Star opener Shafali Verma, named Player of the Match, revealed how cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar inspired her:
“Seeing him in the crowd gave me an incredible boost. He’s the master who always guides us.”
What This Win Means
This victory shatters multiple glass ceilings:
- First ICC title for Indian women’s cricket
- Highest successful defense in WWC final history
- Deepti Sharma becomes first Indian with 5-wicket haul in final
The triumph comes after heartbreaking losses in 2005 and 2017 finals. Team mentor Amol Muzumdar’s words echoed in the dressing room: “Champions turn pressure into diamonds.”
Road Ahead For Women’s Cricket
As fireworks lit Mumbai’s skyline, officials announced plans to capitalize on this momentum:
- New women’s IPL teams for 2026 season
- 50% pay hike for national team players
- Cricket camps in 100 rural districts
Prime Minister Modi tweeted: “Today’s champions have inspired crores of daughters to dream bigger. This win belongs to every Indian.” The team will now tour major cities for victory parades before preparing for next year’s T20 World Cup.
