Mumbai(The COW News Digital)India’s women’s cricket team made history on Sunday, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai to claim their first-ever world title.
After losing the toss, India were sent in to bat by South African captain Laura Wolvaardt — a decision that quickly backfired. The Indian openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, laid a strong foundation with a 104-run partnership. Verma was the standout performer with a fluent 87 off 90 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six, while Mandhana contributed a solid 45.
India maintained steady momentum throughout the innings. Deepti Sharma played a vital knock of 58 runs off 58 deliveries, ensuring the hosts crossed the 290 mark. Richa Ghosh added a quick 34 runs, helping India finish at 298 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp chipped in with one wicket each.
In reply, South Africa got off to a promising start, with the openers adding 51 runs for the first wicket. However, Annerie Bosch’s dismissal for a duck triggered a collapse that the visitors never fully recovered from. Despite Wolvaardt’s valiant 98-ball 91, featuring 11 fours and a six, the rest of the batting lineup failed to offer meaningful resistance.
Suné Luus (25) and Anneke Dirksen (35) provided some support, but regular breakthroughs from India’s disciplined bowling attack sealed the game. Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar claimed two wickets each, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s spin created constant pressure during the middle overs.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, falling short of the target by 52 runs. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations in the Indian camp and among the home fans, as the women in blue lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time in history.
This triumph marks a defining moment for Indian women’s cricket — a culmination of years of progress, consistency, and determination on the global stage.
