India have finally etched their name in cricketing history. On a memorable night at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the Indian women’s cricket team defeated South Africa by 52 runs to lift their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title.
This triumph ends the nation’s long wait — after finishing runners-up twice (2005 & 2017), India have now climbed the summit in the 13th edition of the tournament, hosted across India and Sri Lanka.
A dominant performance in the final
India posted a challenging 298/7 in 50 overs, powered by a stunning opening partnership and a composed middle-order effort. In reply, South Africa fought bravely but were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
The match turned dramatically in the second innings when Deepti Sharma delivered one of the greatest spells in World Cup final history —
9.3 overs | 39 runs | 5 wickets | Economy 4.11
She dismissed South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt (101) and star finisher Chloe Tryon (9) in the same over, flipping the match in India’s favour.
Last wicket:
Nadine de Klerk c Kaur b Deepti Sharma 18(19) — sealing India’s historic win.
Laura Wolvaardt shines despite defeat
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt became only the second cricketer — across men’s and women’s World Cups — to score centuries in both the semi-final and final of the same edition, matching Alyssa Healy’s 2022 feat.
She crossed Mithali Raj’s overall Women’s ODI World Cup runs tally, ending the tournament with 571 runs, the highest in this edition.
Most runs – Women’s ODI World Cup history
- 1501 – Debbie Hockley
- 1328 – Laura Wolvaardt
- 1321 – Mithali Raj
India’s journey: redemption and resolve
After heartbreaks in 2005 and 2017, India have finally completed their long pursuit of the ODI crown. They battled rain delays, pressure moments, and in-form South African batters — and emerged champions.
This World Cup showcased the evolution of Indian women’s cricket — youth, composure, tactical brilliance, and unwavering belief.
A poetic parallel: Rohit Sharma 2023 & Indian women 2025
India’s 2025 triumph carries emotional resonance. Two years ago, India’s men fell short in the 2023 ODI World Cup, despite Rohit Sharma’s heroic campaign, where he finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 597 runs.
Today, Indian women completed what the men narrowly missed — winning a home World Cup.
Both campaigns were built on fearless cricket, exceptional opening partnerships, and passionate home support. In many ways, this moment feels like India rewrote destiny.
Key match summary
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| India Women | 298/7 (50) |
| South Africa Women | 246 all out (45.3) |
| Result | India won by 52 runs |
| Player of the Match | Deepti Sharma |
A moment for the nation
As Deepti Sharma sealed the final wicket, the stadium erupted — tears, fireworks, tricolours waving high. This victory marks a new beginning.
From Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma’s fearless batting to Deepti Sharma’s ice-cold nerves under pressure, India’s women have scripted a story for generations to come.
A World Cup title. A nation celebrating. History made.
India are ODI World Champions.
Tonight belongs to the Women in Blue.
