Harmanpreet Kaur-led India scripted history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2. With the victory, the Women in Blue ended their title drought in the ICC event since the tournament's inception in 1973. The Indian team came close in 2005 and 2017 but lost to Australia and England, respectively, in the previous finals.
After beating Australia in the semifinal, India continued their good performance in the summit clash. Asked to bat first, they put up 298/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Shafali Verma provided a stunning start, scoring 87 runs off 78 balls with the help of two sixes and seven fours. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana also chipped in with 45 off 58 deliveries. The duo stitched a 104-run partnership for the opening stand.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues contributed with their 20s. Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh provided the late flourish, scoring a run-a-ball 58 and 34 (24), respectively. Meanwhile, Ayabonga Khaka starred with the ball for South Africa, returning with figures of 3/58.
In response, the Proteas Women were bundled out for 246 in 45.3 overs. Skipper Laura Woolvaardt produced a lone fight, scoring 101 off 98 deliveries, hitting one six and 11 fours. Deepti Sharma emerged as the leading wicket-taker for India, finishing with figures of 5/39 in her 9.3 overs. Shafali Verma also bagged two wickets.
Shafali won the Player of the Match for her all-round heroics in the final, while Deepti was adjudged the Player of the Series for bagging 22 wickets and scoring 215 runs in nine games.
Following India’s victory, several men’s cricketers, including Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, took to social media to congratulate the Women in Blue.
Virat Kohli
Former India captain Virat Kohli congratulated the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side for winning the Women’s World Cup, calling them an inspiration for the next generation of girls in the country. The 36-year-old added that he was proud of their achievements in finally ending their ICC trophy drought after years of hard work. Sharing a screenshot of the historic win, he wrote on Instagram:
“The girls have created history, and I couldn’t be more proud as an Indian to see the hard work of so many years come to life finally. They deserve all the applause and a big congratulations to Harman and the whole team for achieving this historic feat. Also, congratulations to the whole squad and the management for the work behind the scenes. Well done, India. Enjoy the moment to the fullest. This will inspire generations of girls to take up the sport in our country. Jai Hind.”Sachin Tendulkar
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar called the World Cup win a defining moment in Indian women’s cricket. The former captain credited the Women in Blue for making the nation proud, likening their achievement to India’s 1983 World Cup glory. He wrote on X:
"1983 inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase those dreams. Today, our Women’s Cricket Team has done something truly special. They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball, take the field, and believe that they too can lift that trophy one day. This is a defining moment in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. Well done, Team India. You’ve made the whole nation proud."1983 inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase those dreams. 🏏 Today, our Women’s Cricket Team has done something truly special. They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball, take the field and believe that they too can lift
VVS Laxman
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman, who attended the game in person alongside Tendulkar, also congratulated the women’s team on their World Cup glory. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) head lauded the girls for their preparation, perseverance, commitment, and positive attitude throughout the ICC event. He wrote on X:
“Having seen their journey closely, I can say this historic triumph is the result of preparation, perseverance, and an unshakeable sense of purpose. The players and support staff displayed remarkable discipline, belief, and unity through every challenge.” “Their positivity never wavered, their commitment never faltered. This World Cup victory is a proud reflection of what can be achieved when vision, effort, and faith come together. Once again, congrats to the entire team and support staff on creating history and inspiring a new generation,” he added.Having seen their journey closely, I can say this historic triumph is the result of preparation, perseverance and an unshakeable sense of purpose. The players and support staff displayed remarkable discipline, belief and unity through every challenge. Their positivity never
Mohammad Shami
Indian cricketer Mohammad Shami also lauded the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side for turning dreams into reality. The pacer added that the women’s team has made the whole nation proud of their achievement. He wrote on X:
“History created. Our women have turned dreams into reality — lifting the World Cup for India! You didn’t just win a trophy; you won a billion hearts. Every Indian is proud of you — true champions!”History created🇮🇳🔥 Our women have turned dreams into reality — lifting the World Cup for India! 💙 You didn’t just win a trophy, you won a billion hearts. 🫶 Every Indian is proud of you — true champions! #WomenInBlue #WorldChampions #ProudMoment #INDWvsSAW
Aakash Chopra
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, who called the final moments of India’s World Cup win, reckons that women’s cricket will never be the same - onwards and upwards. The cricketer-turned-commentator wrote on X:
“Privileged to get the opportunity to call the final moments of #WWC25 Girls have created magic. History. Women Cricket will never the same again.”Privileged to get the opportunity to call the final moments of #WWC25 Girls have created magic. History. Women Cricket will never the same again. Thank you, @JioHotstar @StarSportsIndia for this opportunity of a lifetime. 😇
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Edited by James Kuanal

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