India Women finally realized their long-awaited dream by defeating South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 2. After two previous heartbreaks in finals, India lifted their maiden World Cup title in front of a roaring home crowd.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt opted to bowl first, but India’s openers dominated early. Shafali Verma smashed 87 off 78 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes, adding 104 runs with Smriti Mandhana (45). Deepti Sharma steadied the innings with a composed 58, while Richa Ghosh’s explosive 34 off 24 balls powered India to 298/7. Ayabonga Khaka picked up 3/58 for South Africa.

In response, Wolvaardt led the chase with a brilliant 101 from 98 balls, but lacked strong support. Tasmin Brits (23), Sune Luus (25), and Annerie Dercksen (35) got starts but couldn’t convert them. Deepti Sharma turned the game with the ball too, taking 5/39 and dismissing Wolvaardt as South Africa were bowled out for 246. India won by 52 runs to claim a historic World Cup triumph.

Shafali Verma won the Player of the Match for her brilliant knock and 2/36. Deepti Sharma won the Player of the Tournament.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma was in attendance at the stadium with his wife to watch the final. Notably, he had captained India to the final of the 2023 World Cup, where they lost the final to Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19.

He had tears in his eyes as he clapped for the Indian women’s team, who celebrated their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 win.

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