NAVI MUMBAI, India: India won their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup on Sunday, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
The victory marked a historic moment for Indian women’s cricket as Harmanpreet Kaur’s side claimed the trophy on home soil, joining England, Australia and New Zealand as the only nations to win the title.
Batting first after South Africa chose to field, India put up an impressive 298 for seven in their 50 overs.
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 🇮🇳🏆
India clinch their maiden Women’s @cricketworldcup title at #CWC25 🤩 pic.twitter.com/S19w75A4Ch
— ICC (@ICC) November 2, 2025
Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India a strong start with a 104-run partnership.
Mandhana made 45 off 58 balls before falling to Chloe Tryon, while Verma top-scored with 87 from 78 deliveries, hitting seven fours and two sixes.
Deepti Sharma played a crucial role in the middle order, anchoring the innings with a well-made 58 off 58 balls. She added 52 runs with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 20.
Late contributions from Richa Ghosh (34 off 24 balls) ensured India crossed the 290-mark despite losing wickets in quick succession.
Wolvaardt century in vain
Chasing 299, South Africa began confidently through Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who shared a 51-run opening stand. However, India’s bowlers fought back after Brits was run out for 23.
An excellent effort from Amanjot Kaur has Laura Wolvaardt walking back to the dugout after anchoring the chase 🔥
Watch the #INDvSA Final LIVE in your region, #CWC25 broadcast details here 👉 https://t.co/MNSEqhJhcB pic.twitter.com/M9G7BIi0Bq
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 2, 2025
Wolvaardt continued to resist, reaching a fine 101 off 98 balls, but the lack of support from the middle order proved costly.
Sune Luus (25), Annerie Dercksen (35) and Sinalo Jafta (16) all made starts but failed to convert them into big scores.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246 in 41.3 overs.
Deepti Sharma leads with the ball
All-rounder Deepti Sharma was the standout performer with the ball, taking 5 for 39 in 9.3 overs to seal India’s historic win.
Shafali Verma took two wickets, while Shree Charani claimed one.
“This is a dream come true,” said India captain Harmanpreet Kaur after the match.
“We’ve come close before, but this time we believed till the end. Winning in front of our fans makes it even more special.”
Prize money and records
India received a cheque for $4.48 million along with the trophy, while runners-up South Africa took home $2.24 million.
The total prize pool for the tournament was $13.88 million, including awards for semifinalists and lower-ranked teams.
The triumph marks a new chapter for women’s cricket in India, which has seen rapid growth in recent years following the launch of the Women’s Premier League.
“This win will inspire a whole generation of girls in India and across the world,” said coach Amol Muzumdar. “It’s not just about the title — it’s about belief.”
India’s victory on home soil capped a remarkable campaign that began with early setbacks but ended with them lifting the sport’s most coveted trophy.
Final score
India 298/7 (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58; Chloe Tryon 2-46)
South Africa 246 all out (Laura Wolvaardt 101; Deepti Sharma 5-39)
India won by 52 runs.
