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India clinch first ever Women's World Cup title in landslide victory over South Africa

Akshita Patel

India Women clinch World Cup title [Source: AP Photos]India Women clinch World Cup title [Source: AP Photos]

Fireworks, tears, and pure emotion lit up the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai as India Women won the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 title in convincing style by 52 runs against South Africa in front of a roaring home crowd.

After setting up a 298-run total in the first inning, Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma’s masterclass with the ball restricted South Africa to 246, thus sealing history for India Women.

Mandhana-Shafali’s opening stand steers India to a commanding total

Sent in to bat first, India got the perfect start thanks to the ever-reliable Smriti Mandhana and the explosive Shafali Verma. The duo added 104 runs for the opening wicket, laying a solid platform for the hosts. 

Mandhana played the anchor’s role beautifully, scoring 45 off 58 balls before being dismissed by Chloe Tryon.

But it was Shafali who lit up Navi Mumbai. The young opener smashed 87 off just 78 balls, laced with seven boundaries and two huge sixes. 

Her aggressive intent rattled the South African bowlers and kept the Indian fans on their feet. When Ayabonga Khaka finally got her out, India were 166/2 and well set for a big score. 

After brief stays from Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20), it was Deepti Sharma who took charge in the middle overs. 

With calmness with calculated aggression, she scored a fluent 58 off 58 balls, ensuring India didn’t lose momentum. Richa Ghosh then provided the final push with a fiery 34 off 24 balls, including two sixes.

Despite losing wickets towards the end, India finished with a strong 298/7 in 50 overs. Only Ayabonga Khaka picked 3 wickets for South Africa in a listless bowling performance.

Laura Wolvaardt’s ton in vain as India secure historic World Cup win

Chasing 299, South Africa’s hopes rested heavily on captain Laura Wolvaardt, and she didn’t disappoint. Playing a captain’s knock, Wolvaardt scored a classy 101 off 98 balls, keeping her team in the hunt. 

She stitched vital partnerships with Tazmin Brits (23) and Annerie Dercksen (35), but the Indian bowlers kept chipping away at the other end.

And then came Deepti Sharma’s magical spell. 

The all-rounder tore through South Africa’s middle and lower order, finishing with 5 for 39 in 9.3 overs. Every wicket she took brought the crowd to its feet, and when she dismissed Wolvaardt in the 41st over, the writing was on the wall.

South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, giving India a historic 52-run victory.

As Deepti took the final wicket, the stadium erupted. Harmanpreet Kaur’s arms went up in relief, Shafali and Mandhana hugged in tears, and chants of “India! India!” echoed through the stands.

It was a night where dreams came true, a night when India Women lifted their first-ever World Cup trophy on home soil.