History Made! India Won the Title in a Thrilling Women’s World Cup Final

The grand stage in Mumbai was ready, buzzing with excitement and patriotic chants. The India vs South Africa Women’s Final in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 brought together two powerful teams, both hungry for their first world title. The atmosphere was electric, and fans expected a fierce battle, and the players did not disappoint.

India Women’s Scorecard – 298 (7 wkts, 50 ov)

Bowling Figures

• Ayabonga Khaka – 9 ov, 58 runs, 3 wkts
• Nonkululeko Mlaba – 10 ov, 47 runs, 1 wkt
• Nadine de Klerk – 9 ov, 52 runs, 1 wkt
• Chloe Tryon – 7 ov, 46 run, 1 wkt

India won the toss and confidently chose to bat first, signaling their attacking intent. The openers walked in with determination and focus. Right from the start, Shafali Verma dominated the bowlers, hitting crisp drives and fearless sixes. Smriti Mandhana, calm and composed at the other end, supported her brilliantly. Together, they built a rock-solid opening partnership of 121 runs that laid the foundation for India’s innings.

As boundaries flowed freely, South Africa struggled to find breakthroughs. Shafali reached her half-century in style, continuing to attack every loose ball. Her 87-run innings reflected both power and maturity, while Mandhana’s composed 45 added stability. However, once both openers departed, South Africa began to claw back into the game with disciplined bowling.

Even then, India refused to slow down. Deepti Sharma took charge at a crucial moment. She played with patience and purpose, scoring a vital 58 runs to steady the innings. Jemimah Rodrigues added quick runs in the final overs, ensuring India crossed the psychological barrier of 290. Eventually, India posted a commanding total of 298/7, the second-highest score in a Women’s World Cup final.

South Africa Women’s Scorecard – 246 (10 wkts, 45.3)

Bowling Figures

• Deepti Sharma – 9.3 ov, 39 runs, 5 wkts
• Nallapureddy Charani – 9 ov, 48 runs, 1 wkt
• Shafali Verma – 7 ov, 36 runs, 2 wkts

When South Africa began their chase, it showed intent right away. Their openers batted confidently, rotating the strike and punishing anything short or wide. Laura Wolvaardt led the way with a fluent half-century, guiding South Africa to a strong position at 155/3. At that stage, the match seemed evenly poised.

However, India quickly shifted the momentum. Deepti Sharma broke the dangerous partnership with a clever delivery that dismissed Wolvaardt. That wicket sparked India’s fightback. Soon after, Shafali Verma made an impact again, this time with the ball, taking two quick wickets to put South Africa under pressure. Rajeshwari Gayakwad joined in, bowling tight lines and forcing mistakes from the middle order.

As wickets started tumbling, India’s energy soared. Deepti Sharma continued her spell of brilliance, taking 5 wickets for just 39 runs. Her spin and control dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup. Despite a few late boundaries, the Proteas couldn’t recover. From 209/5, they collapsed to 246 all out. India sealed a memorable 52-run victory and, more importantly, their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title.

After the match, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s determination. She called the win a dream come true for every player who had worked tirelessly for years. From the explosive Shafali Verma to the dependable Deepti Sharma, every player had contributed to this glorious achievement.

Moreover, this triumph inspired a generation. It proved that Indian women’s cricket had arrived on the world stage with authority; the final showcased not just skill but also character, resilience, and teamwork. Fans around the globe hailed it as one of the most thrilling finals in women’s cricket history.

In conclusion, the India vs South Africa Women’s Final will forever remain a defining moment in cricket history. India didn’t just win a trophy; they created history, inspired millions, and showed the world that with courage and consistency, dreams truly come alive.