India made history by winning the ICC World Cup for the first time. Image: Outlook.
(The Post News)– History was made yesterday, as the Women’s India team took the ICC Women’s World Cup after defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the finals at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian team finally made history, delivering a commanding all-round performance to win the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. In doing so, they became the first women’s team from Asia to claim a global title across formats, a moment that will be remembered for generations.
India put up an impressive 298/7 in their 50 overs. Shafali Verma was the star of the innings, smashing a fluent 87 off 78 balls, her highest ODI score to date. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the standout bowler, picking up 3 wickets for 58 runs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba provided strong support with 1/47 from her full quota.
India looked set for a massive total of over 320, thanks to the explosive opening stand between Verma and Smriti Mandhana, who brought up a 50-run partnership in just 39 balls. However, some disciplined bowling from the Proteas in the final overs pulled things back, conceding only 69 runs in the last 10 overs to keep the target within reach at 299.
SA Caption Reaches 2nd Century of Tournament
Chasing 299, South Africa’s hopes rested heavily on their captain Laura Wolvaardt, who played a brilliant innings of 101 off 98 balls. Unfortunately, she received little support from the rest of the batting order, and the team was bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
India’s Deepti Sharma was the hero with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for 39 runs, becoming the first bowler ever to take a five-wicket haul in a Women’s World Cup final. Her consistent performances throughout the tournament, which included being the top wicket-taker and scoring three half-centuries, earned her the Player of the Tournament award.
Meanwhile, Shafali Verma’s all-round brilliance, including her quick-fire 87 and 2/36 with the ball, saw her crowned Player of the Match.
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