Hosts outclass South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai to script historic triumph
India completed their long-awaited dream of becoming world champions, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. The victory marked India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title, powered by a magnificent all-round display from Deepti Sharma and a commanding knock from Shafali Verma.
India conquer the world with balance and belief
After years of heartbreak in 2005 and 2017, the Indian women’s team finally lifted the elusive trophy on home soil. Their performance in the final was a perfect display of composure, teamwork, and tactical brilliance under pressure.
Deepti Sharma emerged as the hero of the night, producing a spellbinding 5/39 with the ball after contributing a vital 58 with the bat. Shafali Verma, too, was instrumental, smashing a fluent 87 at the top of the order and chipping in with two key wickets to derail South Africa’s chase.
Deepti’s brilliance seals historic triumph
Chasing 299, South Africa appeared on course at 209/5 with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the charge through a stunning 101. However, Deepti’s introduction into the attack flipped the script dramatically.
The off-spinner dismissed Annerie Dercksen to open the floodgates, before striking twice in one over — removing Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon — to crush South Africa’s resistance. From 209/5, the Proteas collapsed to 246 all out as India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure in the closing stages.
Deepti’s final spell showcased her trademark control and calm under fire, ensuring South Africa never recovered momentum. Her five-wicket haul will be remembered as one of the finest spells in Indian women’s cricket history.
Shafali sets the stage, Deepti finishes the job
Earlier, India posted 298/7, the second-highest total ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup final. Shafali Verma provided the perfect start, combining aggression with maturity in a sparkling 87 off 94 balls. Her 100-run opening stand with Smriti Mandhana (45) gave India early dominance before South Africa fought back through Ayabonga Khaka (3/58).
Despite losing momentum briefly when Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues fell in quick succession, Deepti Sharma steadied the innings with a composed 58. Richa Ghosh (34) added late firepower, helping India push close to the 300-mark — a total that ultimately proved match-winning.
The Proteas, to their credit, showed spirit in the chase. Wolvaardt’s century kept them in contention, but once Deepti and Shafali combined to break crucial partnerships, the Indian bowlers shut the door firmly.
A night of glory for Indian cricket
The victory sparked euphoric celebrations in Navi Mumbai as Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the World Cup trophy amid deafening cheers. It marked the culmination of years of steady progress and resilience for India’s women’s cricket — and perhaps the dawn of a new era of dominance.
Deepti Sharma’s all-round heroics earned her the Player of the Match award, while Shafali Verma’s explosive performances throughout the tournament established her as one of the brightest young stars in the global game.