India create history as Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma script iconic win to clinch first-ever Women’s World Cup title
India created history in the 2025 Women’s World Cup Final when Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma led their team to a 52-run victory against South Africa. The victory ended decades of heartbreak and ushered in a new era in women’s cricket as India clinched their first Women’s World Cup title.
The long-awaited moment for a major global championship in women’s cricket has finally arrived. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian Women’s team secured their first World Cup trophy by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
Celebrated in front of the home crowd, this victory highlighted an all-round display of excellence, led by outstanding performances from Shafali Verma and all-rounder Deepti Sharma in the opener.
India beat South Africa in a tense final to become world champions # #INDvSA : https://t.co/W87Tiy0PqY pic.twitter.com/OKlbZTvaUv
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 2, 2025
After a delayed over, India started the batting and managed to post a competitive score of 298/7. The innings was boosted by a blistering 104-run opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana (45). Shafali took control, establishing a quick base by scoring 87 off just 78 balls with graceful movements and powerful strokes. When the middle order broke down, Deepti Sharma came forward and scored 58 off 58 balls, while Richa Ghosh also scored 34 off 24 balls to take India to a strong total.
In their pursuit of 299 runs, South Africa relied heavily on their captain Laura Wolvaardt, who made a remarkable century (101 off 97 balls). But the gravity of the goal and the disciplined Indian bowling attack were too great. The match changed decisively with the introduction of spin.
Deepti Sharma, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, was the standout bowler, taking impressive figures of 4/46. He scored crucial blows, including the key wicket of Wolvaardt, who was caught after a juggling effort on the boundary. Remarkably, Shafali Verma also broke two crucial partnerships by contributing 2/27 from her part-time off-spin. Ultimately, South Africa were bowled out for 246 in the 45th over.
The final whistle ignited a wave of joy across the country as the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team secured its place in history by defeating the ghosts of previous finals.
Also read| ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 prize money: Full breakdown of winners, runners-up and other teams
