India Creates History! Women’s Team Lifts First-Ever Cricket World Cup After Beating South Africa by 52 Runs

Navi Mumbai, November 2, 2025: One in the annals of Indian cricket history for a glorious night!

The Indian women's team lifted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup for the first time in history following their 52-run victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium.

A final to remember, truly a testament to dominance, determination, and fulfillment of a dream for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team.

India Set the Stage Ablaze with 298/7

After a rain delay, South Africa chose to bowl first — but the Indian batters turned the heat on.

Shafali Verma led the charge, playing a fearless innings of 87-run knock off 78 balls. Her fireworks established the course of the innings as she shared a 151-run partnership for the first wicket with Smriti Mandhana, who duly scored a stylish 45.

During the middle stage of the innings, there was still plenty of time to build momentum as Deepti Sharma exerted cool control, finishing an unbeaten 58 from 58 balls while Richa Ghosh turned things up to a frenzy with 34 off 24, including two monstrous sixes.

By the end, India had posted 298/7, the second-highest total in a Women’s World Cup final.

South Africa Fought Hard, But India Held Strong

The chase began well for South Africa as captain Laura Wolvaardt led the way yet again. The classy 101 off 98 balls gave the Proteas hope as it was her second consecutive century in the knockout, a feat that only Alyssa Healy from Australia had accomplished in 2022 before.

But there was no support; wickets crashed one after another, and with it came the tightening of the noose by the Indian bowlers.

Deepti Sharma turned out to be the hero with the ball as well, claiming a magnificent 5 for 39, while Shafali contributed by breaking through the defenses of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.

South Africa were finally bowled out for 246 in the 46th over, and a 52-run win and the title went to India.

A Moment for the Ages

A massive roar erupted from DY Patil Stadium as Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the trophy above her head with the home crowd going crazy.

Beyond a mere win, it was a moment of redemption. After being finals runners-up in 2005 and 2017, India finally achieved that long-drawn-out journey to the top.

The other precedent the match set was being the first-ever Women's World Cup final not to have Australia or England in it, and India made sure of making it unforgettable.

Records and Legacy

Smriti Mandhana remained the highest run-scorer for India in the tournament, with 434 runs, beating the previous record set by Mithali Raj in 2017 of 409.

Deepti Sharma staged a dream all-round performance — scoring 58 runs and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match.

Shafali Verma, the young energetic firebrand, became the emotional heart of the night as she hoisted her captain Harmanpreet into the air in celebration after taking the final wicket.

Indian women have done the impossible for millions of enthusiasts — bring the World Cup home, for the first time ever.

With fireworks lighting up the Mumbai skies, one thing was inescapably clear — a new era in Indian cricket had dawned.