India Seal Maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup with 52-Run Win Over South Africa

COLOMBO (News 1st): India’s women cricketers have made history, claiming their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa in the final played at Navi Mumbai.

The highly anticipated final was delayed by nearly two hours due to rain before South African captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and elected to field first.

Prior to the start of play, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar brought the World Cup trophy onto the field, adding a touch of inspiration to the occasion. Sri Lanka’s Michell Pereira officiated as one of the on-field umpires, while Nimali Perera served as the fourth umpire.

The two teams walked out to the middle for the national anthems, with Tarryn Lamb performing South Africa’s anthem and Sunidhi Chauhan singing the Indian anthem to a packed stadium filled with roaring supporters.

India’s innings got off to a flying start with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma putting on a brilliant 104-run partnership for the first wicket. Shafali Verma led from the front with an aggressive innings of 87 runs, registering her fifth One Day International (ODI) half-century, while Deepti Sharma anchored the middle order with her 18th ODI fifty.

South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets, as India finished their innings on 298 for 7 in 50 overs, setting South Africa a daunting target of 299 runs.

In response, South Africa got off to a steady start with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits adding 51 runs for the opening wicket.

Wolvaardt played a captain’s knock, scoring her 11th ODI century and ending the tournament as the top run-scorer of the Women’s World Cup 2025.

However, India’s bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma, turned the game decisively. Deepti produced a remarkable spell, taking 5 wickets for just 39 runs, dismantling South Africa’s middle order.

The Proteas were eventually bowled out for 246 runs in 45.3 overs, handing India a historic 52-run victory.

With this win, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side became the first Asian nation to win the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, marking a landmark moment in the sport’s history.

Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match, while Deepti Sharma earned the Player of the Tournament award for her consistent all-round brilliance.

The victorious Indian team lifted the coveted trophy from ICC Chairman Jay Shah, celebrating a momentous chapter in Indian cricket history.