India has made history by winning its first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at a packed DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. The landmark victory was powered by stellar all-round performances from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma.
The host nation posted a challenging total of 298 for 7 after being put in to bat. In response, the Indian bowlers, led by a five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, dismissed South Africa for 246, sparking jubilant celebrations across the cricket-mad nation.
Opener Shafali Verma was the cornerstone of India’s innings, top-scoring with a dynamic 87 runs. She built a solid 104-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana (45), laying a strong foundation.
INDIA WIN THE WOMEN'S CRICKET WORLD CUP! 🇮🇳🏆 pic.twitter.com/Fz7hqIIEKf
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 2, 2025All-rounder Deepti Sharma then accelerated the innings, scoring a crucial 58 off 58 balls to push the total towards 300, despite three wickets from South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka.
Defending the total, India’s bowlers kept the pressure on. The turning point came through part-time off-spinner Shafali Verma, who took two key wickets, including that of Sune Luus.
The match-defining spell, however, came from Deepti Sharma. Her off-spin accounted for five South African batters, including a double-wicket over that removed centurion Laura Wolvaardt (101) and Chloe Tryon, effectively ending South Africa’s resistance.
This victory marks India’s triumph at the third attempt, having finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2017. The win in front of a roaring home crowd culminates a sensational tournament for Harmanpreet Kaur’s team, cementing their place in cricket history.
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