India Triumphs Over South Africa to Claim 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup Title

On the eve before the final match, a reporter questioned India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, about her plans to celebrate if her team won the World Cup.

“For monumental occasions, you don’t really need a set plan because we’ve visualized and dreamt about this moment numerous times. It’s all about what feels right in the moment and what naturally unfolds,” she replied with a bright smile.

Just over 24 hours later, with an electrified crowd supporting the team well past midnight, the Indian women’s cricket team made history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final. This victory marked India’s first ICC crown win.

Chasing a challenging target of 299 runs, Laura Wolvaardt understood she had to play a crucial role. Despite her solid performance, India disrupted the batting order at the opposite end, dismissing a shaky Tazmin Brits during the PowerPlay. Harmanpreet’s decision to bring Shafali Verma into the bowling attack proved fruitful as Shafali spectacularly dismissed Sune Luus with just her second ball in World Cup cricket. Elated, Harmanpreet celebrated by leaping into Shafali’s arms, who then twirled her captain around the wicket in jubilation.

Shafali went on to claim the wicket of her Delhi Capitals teammate, Marizanne Kapp, likely marking Kapp’s last ODI World Cup appearance. In need of support, Wolvaardt found a partner in Annerie Dercksen, whose sequence of sixes helped lift South Africa’s spirits.

India’s Deepti Sharma delivered a stunning performance, securing a five-wicket haul. Her pivotal breakthrough came with the prized dismissal of Wolvaardt, followed by cleaning up the tail, leading India to victory. Wolvaardt had scored her second consecutive hundred, an outstanding performance under intense pressure.

However, Deepti’s dominant bowling changed the momentum. With 53 runs required from the final five overs, and just one wicket left, Nadine de Klerk fought on alone for South Africa. Despite her efforts, repeating her earlier league stage heroics was too great a challenge.

Earlier in the match, Wolvaardt had opted to chase, pairing once more with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali. Despite Smriti’s early departure, a more refined Shafali continued strongly. Demonstrating newfound composure, she secured a half-century. However, she eventually succumbed to her old habits, getting caught by Sune Luus at mid-off in the 28th over, courtesy of Ayabonga Khaka.

As wickets fell during the slog overs, India turned to Deepti for some magic. She collaborated with Richa Ghosh to reignite the pressure on the Proteas with a solid half-century. Though India’s total seemed destined to exceed 300, the eventual shortfall was overshadowed by the evening’s vibrant celebrations, marking India’s triumph.

Published on November 3, 2025.