NAVI MUMBAI, India: Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma struck crucial half-centuries to guide India to a competitive total of 298 for seven against South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Sunday.
After South Africa won the toss and opted to field first, Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave their side a solid foundation.
The pair shared a 104-run stand for the first wicket, playing patiently through the early overs on a damp outfield following a two-hour rain delay.
Mandhana was dismissed for 45 off 58 balls, caught by Chloe Tryon after striking eight boundaries.
Verma continued her aggressive approach, bringing up her half-century with a series of crisp drives and powerful lofted shots.
She went on to score 87 off 78 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes before falling to Ayabonga Khaka.
Jemimah Rodrigues added 24 from 37 deliveries in a 62-run partnership with Verma, helping India maintain their momentum.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Deepti Sharma to add a vital 52 runs for the fourth wicket, taking India past 200.
Kaur made 20 off 29 balls before being dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba, while Deepti anchored the innings expertly, scoring a measured 58 from 58 deliveries — her 18th ODI half-century — with three boundaries and a six.
Richa Ghosh provided late acceleration with a brisk 34 off 24 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
Amanjot Kaur chipped in with 12 before being dismissed by Nadine de Klerk. Deepti was run out on the final delivery as India finished at 298 for seven.
For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 58 from nine overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon claimed one wicket each.
Final between two new contenders
This year’s final marks a historic moment for women’s cricket — the first time India and South Africa are meeting in a Women’s World Cup final and the first time in the tournament’s history that neither Australia nor England have featured in the decider.
India, playing their third final after finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017, are chasing their maiden World Cup title.
South Africa, in their first-ever Women’s World Cup final, have shown remarkable resilience throughout the tournament after beginning their campaign with a heavy defeat.
South Africa’s road to the final
The Proteas opened their campaign with a crushing loss to England, bowled out for just 69. But they rebounded strongly, defeating New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England in the semi-final to reach their first final.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt has led from the front with consistent batting, supported by the all-round brilliance of Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Marizanne Kapp.
Wolvaardt’s century and Kapp’s five-wicket haul in the semi-final against England powered South Africa to a dominant 125-run victory.
The toss was delayed by two hours due to rain, but officials confirmed that the match would still be played over the full 50 overs.
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt opted to field, citing favourable conditions for chasing. Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that batting early would be challenging under overcast skies.
