FazTimes Media | Mumbai | Nov 03, 2025: In a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, the Indian women's cricket team defeated South Africa by 52 runs, winning their first-ever ICC Women's World Cup title in a match that will go down in Indian sports history for years to come. This victory ended India's long-running pursuit of a world championship and ushered in a new era for women's cricket in the country.

A Dream Realized in Mumbai's Lights

India began the match with a dominant 298 for 7 in 50 overs. The band performed with a blend of confidence and control. Shafali Verma was in brilliant form, scoring 87 runs off 75 balls with 12 fours and two sixes. She and Smriti Mandhana (45), who scored 102 runs together, established a solid partnership that lasted the remainder of the innings.

When the openers fell, Deepti Sharma calmly scored 58 runs, and Richa Ghosh quickly added 34 to keep the momentum alive. The crowd cheered loudly with every boundary, and the chants of “India! India!” filled the stadium, bringing back memories of India’s men’s team winning the World Cup in 2011 at the Wankhede.

South Africa’s bowlers put up a good fight. Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) was very accurate in the middle overs, and Marizanne Kapp also took two important wickets.

Early Anxiety and a Determined Retaliation

Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt scored a rapid 54 runs for the first wicket to give South Africa a strong start to the chase. As the Proteas players discovered openings in the field, the Indian fielders appeared a little uneasy. However, when Amanjot Kaur caught Brits short of her crease with a brilliant throw from cover, everything changed.

That run-out led to a sudden collapse. Sree Charani, a 20-year-old fast bowler from Tamil Nadu, bowled her first delivery and got Anneke Bosch out leg before wicket. Then, in a surprising twist, Shafali Verma, who had been brilliant with the bat, took two important wickets with her part-time off-spin, dismissing both Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp quickly.

Deepti Sharma’s Magical Spell Seals the Glory

Wolvaardt stood strong even when things looked tough, scoring a magnificent 101 off 118 balls, but she didn’t get much support from the other end. When she was dismissed by Deepti—caught at mid-off trying to go over the infield—the game was all but over. South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, giving India a huge 52-run win.

A Nation Celebrates: BCCI Announces ₹51 Crore Reward.

Just after the final, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a ₹51 crore cash reward for the players and support staff, calling the win a “monumental moment in Indian sports history.”

The celebrations continued beyond the stadium. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Our women’s team has made the nation proud! This win shows the strength, spirit, and determination of India’s daughters. Jai Hind!”

Echoes of 1983: A Historic Parallel

For many people, this win reminded them of India's 1983 men's World Cup victory, which changed how cricket was seen in the country.

Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman, made the same connection. He said, “This is a special day for Indian women’s cricket. Just like Kapil Dev's team inspired a whole generation in 1983, Harmanpreet Kaur's team has done the same now. This win will change how women’s cricket is seen and supported in India.”

They really came through in the knockout rounds. They beat Australia by five wickets in the semifinal, which was a huge emotional win and made up for past losses. Then they reached their best moment by defeating South Africa.

Coach Ramesh Powar, who helped the team through both good and bad times, praised the players for their mental toughness. “Every girl in this team has a story of hard work and sacrifice,” he said. “They’ve battled social pressures, lack of proper facilities, and a lot of criticism. Today, they have shown the world what Indian women are really capable of.”

The Heroes Who Shone Bright

Shafali Verma—the fearless opener who set the tone for India’s innings with her explosive 87.

The Dawn of a New Era

The triumph in Mumbai is a cultural landmark as well as a sporting accomplishment. It has the power to transform women's cricket from a specialized interest to a popular passion in India.

Girls are already signing up for trials in greater numbers, according to cricket academies throughout India. Sponsors, broadcasters, and league owners are expected to show renewed interest in women’s tournaments, with discussions underway for an expanded Women’s IPL next season.

“This is not just India’s win,” said former captain Mithali Raj, who was in the commentary box during the final.

A Night to Remember

As the fireworks lit up the Mumbai skyline and the Indian players lifted the glittering World Cup trophy, one thing became clear—this was not just a victory; it was the rebirth of Indian women’s cricket.
The chants of “Champion India!” echoed long into the night as the team posed with the tricolor, their smiles capturing the joy of a billion hearts.
India’s women had done it. They weren’t just playing in the shadows anymore—they were standing tall in the spotlight, World Champions at last.

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Reference: Madhyamam

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