1. Introduction
India created history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title in 2025.
They defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final match held at DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai.
This victory marked a turning point in Indian women’s cricket, placing India among the global elite teams.
2. Match Overview
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
Date: 2025 Women’s World Cup Final
Result: India won by 52 runs
Toss: South Africa won the toss and elected to field first (after a rain delay).
3. India’s Innings – Explosive Batting Performance
Openers:
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India a solid start.
They added a 104-run partnership for the first wicket.
Key Performances:
Shafali Verma: 87 runs off 78 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes)
Smriti Mandhana: 45 runs (steady support)
Deepti Sharma: 58 runs off 58 balls (anchored middle order)
Richa Ghosh: 34 runs off 24 balls (quick cameo)
Total Score: India posted 298/7 in 50 overs, which was the second-highest total in a Women’s World Cup final.
4. South Africa’s Chase – Strong Start but Collapse Later
Target: 299 runs
Star Performer:
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain): Scored a brilliant 101 off 97 balls, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive.
Turning Point:
Wolvaardt’s dismissal by Deepti Sharma turned the game in India’s favour.
Bowling Highlights (India):
Deepti Sharma: 4 wickets for 46 runs
Shafali Verma: 2 wickets for 27 runs (part-time spin)
Disciplined fielding and tight bowling restricted South Africa to 246 all out in 45 overs.
5. Star Performers
| Player | Performance | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Deepti Sharma | 58 runs + 4/46 | Anchored batting & led bowling attack |
| Shafali Verma | 87 runs + 2/27 | Aggressive start and key wickets |
| Laura Wolvaardt (SA) | 101 runs | Lone fighter for South Africa |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain) | Inspirational leadership | Guided team to maiden title |
6. Awards & Recognition
🏅 Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma (for her all-round performance)
🏆 India’s 1st ICC Women’s World Cup Title (under captain Harmanpreet Kaur)
7. Significance of the Victory
Historic Achievement: India won their first-ever Women’s World Cup after years of near misses (2005, 2017 finals).
Symbol of Progress: Showcased the growing strength and depth of Indian women’s cricket.
Inspiration for Future: The win is expected to inspire young girls across India to take up cricket.
Leadership Impact: Harmanpreet Kaur’s calm and strategic captaincy was crucial in pressure situations.
Team Balance: Combination of youth (Shafali) and experience (Deepti, Mandhana) proved decisive.
8. Exam-Oriented Key Facts
Winner: India
Runner-up: South Africa
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
Result: India won by 52 runs
Top Scorer (India): Shafali Verma – 87 runs
Top Scorer (SA): Laura Wolvaardt – 101 runs
Best Bowler (India): Deepti Sharma – 4/46
Captain (India): Harmanpreet Kaur
India’s Total: 298/7 in 50 overs
South Africa’s Total: 246 all out in 45 overs
Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma
9. Broader Impact on Women’s Cricket
Boosts visibility and popularity of women’s cricket in India.
Expected to bring greater investment, sponsorships, and grassroots development.
Reinforces India’s position as a rising superpower in global women’s sports.
✅ In Summary:
India’s 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup victory is a landmark event in sports history, symbolizing resilience, teamwork, and the rise of Indian women’s cricket on the world stage. The combination of Shafali’s aggression, Deepti’s all-round excellence, and Harmanpreet’s leadership marked the dawn of a new era of dominance.
