India Women Create History, Lift Maiden ODI World Cup Trophy With Thrilling Win Over South Africa
India women’s cricket team etched its name in history books after beating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final to win their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 crown at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.Â
On the historic day, Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma starred with both bat and ball to help India register a memorable win after South Africa had won the toss and elected to bowl.Â
Chasing 299, South Africa looked in contention at one stage but Deepti Sharmaâs breakthrough sparked a dramatic collapse. After she dismissed Annerie Dercksen, the Proteas crumbled from 209/5 to 246 all out, handing India control of the World Cup final.
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Deepti Sharma Turned The Tide For IndiaÂ
Deepti Sharma had turned the tide for India with a brilliant spell that yielded three crucial wickets, including that of South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who had kept her side in the hunt with a superb century.
But Deeptiâs double strike in a single over that included Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon came at a decisive stage, just as the required run rate began to climb, leaving South Africa under mounting pressure.
Earlier, Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen had offered resistance with a fifty-run stand, steering the Proteas past the 200-run mark after a collapse had left them reeling at 148/5. Deepti had earlier triggered that slide by dismissing Sinalo Jafta, following up on Shafali Vermaâs impactful spell where she claimed two wickets in as many overs.Â
Verma had shifted the momentum Indiaâs way by striking twice in quick succession, first removing Sune Luus in her opening over then claiming the prized wicket of Marizanne Kapp. That double blow tightened Indiaâs grip on the contest before Jaftaâs dismissal deepened South Africaâs troubles.
Special Night For Shafali Verma With Both Bat And BallÂ
Indiaâs first breakthrough came through sharp fielding when Tazmin Brits was run out by a direct hit from Amanjot Kaur at the non-strikerâs end. Brits and Wolvaardt had given South Africa a solid foundation with a fifty-run opening stand in the powerplay, putting the pressure on Indiaâs bowlers early in the chase.
Sree Charani then struck in her first over to trap Anneke Bosch LBW. Despite the quick wickets, Wolvaardt continued to anchor the innings, bringing up her 39th ODI fifty and guiding South Africa past 100 alongside Sune Luus.
Sensing the need for a breakthrough, captain Harmanpreet Kaurâs decision to bring Verma into the attack proved inspired. The openerâs twin strikes turned the momentum in Indiaâs favour, setting the stage for Deepti Sharmaâs match-defining spell that ultimately put India in control.
Earlier in the first innings, India put up 298/7 against South Africa, posting the second-highest score in a Women’s ODI World Cup final. After a commanding 100-run opening stand, India were well placed at 223/3 but South Africa fought back to keep them below the 300 mark.Â
Shafali Verma (87) led the way with a fine knock while Deepti Sharma (58) steadied the innings towards the end. Richa Ghosh (34) added a lively cameo that gave India late momentum.
For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) was the standout performer with the ball while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon picked up a wicket each.
Brief Scores: India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 54, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3-58) against South Africa.
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