Fitness

The moment an entire nation had been waiting for finally arrived on November 2, 2025, as India lifted their first-ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This victory marks a watershed moment for Indian cricket and women's sports across the subcontinent, ending a 47-year wait for global glory.

In front of a passionate crowd of over 40,000 spectators and millions watching worldwide, captain Harmanpreet Kaur completed the historic catch that dismissed Nadine de Klerk off Deepti Sharma's bowling, sealing India's maiden World Cup triumph. The victory comes after heartbreaking losses in the 2005 final against Australia and the agonizingly close 2017 final against England, where India fell short by just nine runs.

The Road to Redemption: A Tournament of Resilience

India's journey to the championship was anything but straightforward. The tournament began with uncertainties as the Women in Blue suffered three consecutive defeats against England, South Africa, and Australia during the league stage. These losses left the team on the brink of elimination and attracted sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike.

However, what followed was one of the most remarkable turnarounds in World Cup history. India regrouped, rallied, and demonstrated exceptional mental fortitude to defeat New Zealand and secure the last semifinal spot. Then came the performance that will be remembered for generations – a world-record chase of 339 runs against defending champions Australia in the semifinals.

The Historic Semifinal: Conquering the Champions

On October 30, 2025, India pulled off what many considered impossible. Chasing Australia's formidable total of 338 runs, Jemimah Rodrigues produced a masterclass innings, scoring an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a crucial 89 off 88 deliveries, and together they stitched a match-defining partnership of 167 runs – the highest ever against Australia in Women's World Cup history.

India's successful chase of 339 runs became the highest target ever achieved in Women's ODI cricket, surpassing Australia's recent 331-run chase. It was also the first time in ODI World Cup history, including men's cricket, that a team successfully chased a 300-plus target in a knockout match. This remarkable victory ended Australia's incredible dominance and ensured there would be a new World Cup champion for the first time since 2000.

The Final Showdown: Masterclass Performances

The final witnessed extraordinary performances from multiple players, but two names stood out above all: Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma. These two all-rounders produced match-winning displays with both bat and ball, embodying the complete team effort that characterised India's campaign.

Shafali Verma: The Comeback Queen

Shafali Verma's story adds a poignant layer to India's triumph. The 21-year-old opener, who was not even part of the original 15-member squad, was called up as injury replacement for Pratika Rawal just days before the final. Five years after experiencing heartbreak in the 2020 T20 World Cup final at the MCG, where her early dismissal triggered India's collapse, Shafali returned to write a redemption story for the ages.

In the final, Shafali blazed a career-best 87 runs off 78 balls, hitting seven boundaries and two sixes. She shared a crucial 104-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana (45), giving India the perfect platform. This partnership became the first-ever century stand for India in an ICC World Cup knockout match, men's or women's combined.

Remarkably, Shafali also became the youngest cricketer – male or female – to score a fifty in a World Cup final. Her innings was not just about runs; it was about timing, placement, and intelligent strokeplay that kept South Africa's bowlers under constant pressure.

But Shafali's contribution didn't end with the bat. When India needed crucial breakthroughs during South Africa's chase, captain Harmanpreet Kaur turned to Shafali's gentle off-spin. The move proved inspired as Shafali struck twice in quick succession, removing the experienced Sune Luus with a return catch and then dismissing the dangerous Marizanne Kapp. Her final figures of 2 for 36 were instrumental in tilting momentum decisively in India's favor.

For her magnificent all-round performance, Shafali was awarded the Player of the Match, joining the elite company of legends like Mohinder Amarnath, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli – all of whom shone in World Cup finals.

Deepti Sharma: The Tournament's Defining Force

If Shafali's story was about redemption, Deepti Sharma's was about domination and rewriting history. The 27-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh delivered the most complete performance ever witnessed in an ODI World Cup – by any cricketer, male or female.

Across nine matches, Deepti amassed 215 runs at an average of 30.71 and took 22 wickets at a strike rate of 22.1 balls per wicket. She became the first player in cricket history to achieve the double of 200 runs and 20 wickets in a single World Cup edition. No player before her – not Kapil Dev, not Jacques Kallis, not Ben Stokes – had accomplished this remarkable feat.

In the final, Deepti first stabilized India's innings with a composed 58 off 58 balls, sharing a crucial 52-run partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur when India needed momentum. Her innings featured calculated aggression and smart rotation of strike, helping India post 298 for seven – the second-highest total ever in a World Cup final.

With the ball, Deepti produced a spell that will be remembered for decades. Her figures of 5 for 39 from 9.3 overs were devastating, methodical, and match-winning. She became the first Indian bowler, male or female, to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup final. Her dismissal of South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was batting brilliantly on 101, proved to be the decisive blow that effectively ended the Proteas' resistance.

Deepti also became the first player ever to score a fifty and take five wickets in a World Cup final. Her overall tournament performance earned her the Player of the Tournament award, with her 22 wickets being the most ever by an Indian in a single World Cup, surpassing the previous record of 20.

Perhaps most remarkably, Deepti's performance in the final came just three days after she endured one of the toughest nights of her career – conceding 73 runs in the semifinal against Australia, the most expensive bowling spell ever in a Women's World Cup knockout match. Her ability to bounce back from that setback and deliver when it mattered most exemplifies the mental resilience that defined India's campaign.

The Supporting Cast: Champions All Around

While Shafali and Deepti grabbed the headlines, India's victory was built on collective excellence. Smriti Mandhana finished as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 434 runs at an average of 54.25, including a century against New Zealand. Her elegant strokeplay and consistency throughout the tournament provided the foundation for India's batting.

Jemimah Rodrigues' semifinal heroics cannot be understated. Her unbeaten 127 against Australia showcased her ability to handle pressure and accelerate when needed. Despite facing moments of self-doubt during the chase – even telling Deepti Sharma "I can't do this" when exhaustion set in – she persevered to guide India home.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's leadership shone throughout the tournament. After facing criticism during the three-match losing streak, she inspired a remarkable turnaround. Her 89 in the semifinal and tactical acumen in the final demonstrated why she's considered one of India's finest leaders. The sight of her leaping into her father's arms after the victory symbolized years of dedication and sacrifice.

The bowling unit, led by Deepti, featured crucial contributions from Renuka Singh, Radha Yadav, and the impressive Shree Charani, who troubled batters with her pace and movement. Young Amanjot Kaur produced two critical moments – a direct hit to run out Tazmin Brits in the final and a spectacular juggling catch to dismiss Wolvaardt.

South Africa's Valiant Effort: Laura Wolvaardt's Record-Breaking Campaign

While India celebrated, South Africa's journey deserves immense recognition. Playing in their first-ever World Cup final, the Proteas demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. After being bundled out for just 69 against England and 97 against Australia early in the competition, they showed tremendous character to reach the final.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt produced a World Cup campaign for the ages. Her 571 runs at an average of 71.37 broke the record for most runs in any single edition of the Women's World Cup, surpassing Alyssa Healy's previous mark of 509. Wolvaardt scored centuries in both knockout matches – 169 against England in the semifinal and 101 in the final.

In the final, Wolvaardt kept South Africa's hopes alive almost single-handedly. Her century came off 98 balls and showcased a new dimension to her game – more aggressive stroke-play and better utilization of the on-side. She revealed after the match that she had consciously worked on adding new shots to her repertoire during the tournament, transforming from a predominantly off-side player to a more complete batter.

"I could not be prouder of this team for the campaign we had," Wolvaardt said after the final. "Brilliant cricket throughout but outplayed today. Unfortunate to be on the losing side but we will definitely grow from this". Her leadership and performance ensured that South Africa, despite the loss, earned enormous respect and signaled their arrival as a force in women's cricket.

The Prize and Recognition: Historic Rewards

India's triumph brought unprecedented financial recognition for the team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash prize of ₹51 crore for the players, coaches, and support staff. This reward is even higher than the prize money India received from the ICC, which stood at $4.48 million (approximately ₹40 crore).

Combined with the ICC prize money, the Indian women's team received over ₹90 crore – a testament to how much the game has grown and how seriously the achievement is being recognized. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated, "In 1983, Kapil Dev brought about a new era in Indian cricket by winning the World Cup. The same excitement and encouragement have now been introduced by the women".

This represents a 297% increase in prize money compared to the previous World Cup, with the total prize pool for the 2025 edition reaching $13.88 million. The financial boost came under ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who had earlier tripled women's prize money as part of his broader push for gender parity and investment in the women's game.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in celebrating the victory, posting on social media: "A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance in the final was marked by great skill and confidence. The team showed exceptional teamwork and tenacity throughout the tournament". He added that "this historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports".

President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, and leaders across political parties joined in celebrating the achievement, with many drawing parallels to India's iconic 1983 men's World Cup triumph.

The WPL Effect: Building Champions

A crucial factor behind India's World Cup success has been the Women's Premier League (WPL), launched in 2023. The league sold franchise rights for over ₹4,600 crore and media rights for ₹950 crore, with major IPL franchises extending their brands to the women's format.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia acknowledged the transformative impact: "WPL has taken Indian women's game to a certain level, the way India team is performing, the confidence level, their body language, their attitude, that has transformed in last 3-4 years". The league provided Indian players with regular high-pressure cricket, exposure to international stars, and substantial financial security – all of which translated into improved performances on the world stage.

Several members of India's World Cup-winning squad have been stars in the WPL, including Harmanpreet Kaur (captain of Mumbai Indians), Deepti Sharma (MVP of WPL 2024 for UP Warriorz), and Shafali Verma (Delhi Capitals' top scorer). The competitive environment and professional infrastructure created by the WPL accelerated the development of young talent and raised the overall standard of Indian women's cricket.

Historical Context: Third Time Lucky

India's journey to their first World Cup title spans nearly five decades. The team made their World Cup debut in 1978 as hosts but had to wait 27 years for their first final appearance. In 2005, they reached the final only to lose to Australia by 98 runs. The heartbreak was repeated in 2017 at Lord's, where India lost to England by just nine runs despite Harmanpreet Kaur's spectacular 171 in the semifinal against Australia.

That 2017 performance by Harmanpreet in Derby was recognized as the pivotal moment that prompted India's cricket governing body to earnestly invest in women's cricket. Her unbeaten 171 off 115 balls against the defending champions demonstrated to the world – and to Indian administrators – what Indian women's cricket could achieve with proper support and resources.

The 2025 triumph makes India only the fourth team to win the Women's World Cup, joining Australia (seven titles), England (four titles), and New Zealand (one title). More significantly, India became the first new champion since 2000, when New Zealand ended the long-standing dominance of Australia and England.

Impact on Women's Cricket: A Transformative Moment

The significance of India's World Cup victory extends far beyond the trophy. With a population of over one billion and cricket being the nation's most popular sport, this triumph is expected to trigger a massive surge in interest and participation in women's cricket.

Forbes noted that India's victory "is set to tilt the balance of power and also lift women's cricket to great heights". The article drew parallels to how India's men's triumphs in the 1983 World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup transformed cricket globally, suggesting that the women's victory could have similar far-reaching implications.

The tournament showcased packed stadiums, passionate crowds, and unprecedented media coverage. Young girls across India now have role models who have achieved cricket's ultimate prize on home soil. The visibility and celebration of this victory are expected to inspire the next generation of female cricketers throughout South Asia and beyond.

Several organizations and state governments announced additional cash rewards for the players, with the total rewards exceeding the combined figure of ₹90 crore. This financial recognition, combined with the WPL's success, has made women's cricket a viable and lucrative career option in India.

The BCCI has also committed to increasing the number of Test matches for women and introducing more multi-day tournaments at the domestic level. This investment in infrastructure and competitive opportunities suggests that India's World Cup success is not a one-off achievement but the beginning of sustained excellence.

Looking Forward: A New Era Begins

As the celebrations continue and the team prepares to meet Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi, the focus will gradually shift to sustaining this success. The 2025 World Cup triumph provides Indian women's cricket with unprecedented momentum, visibility, and resources.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur spoke emotionally about the journey: "Ever since, as a kid, I started getting a sense of what likes and dislikes are, I've always seen a bat in my hand... I was dreaming, when will I wear this blue jersey? This means a lot to me, a young girl who didn't know about women's cricket, but still dreaming, that one day, I want to bring that change in our country". She emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards: "We were waiting for this moment, and now this moment has come. Now we want to make this a habit".

The World Cup victory has proven that with proper investment, infrastructure, and opportunities, Indian women's cricket can compete with and defeat the best in the world. The record-breaking chase against Australia in the semifinals and the composed performance in the final under pressure demonstrated that this team possesses both skill and mental fortitude.

As India's women cricketers become household names and role models for millions, the future of women's cricket in the country looks brighter than ever. The 2025 World Cup triumph is not just the culmination of years of hard work – it's the beginning of a new golden era for Indian women's cricket.

Conclusion: Champions at Last

On that glorious evening of November 2, 2025, in Navi Mumbai, India didn't just win a cricket tournament. They validated decades of effort by pioneers who played in obscurity, justified the recent investments in women's cricket, and created a moment that will inspire generations to come.

From Shafali Verma's redemption arc to Deepti Sharma's historic all-round performance, from Harmanpreet Kaur's inspirational leadership to the entire team's collective resilience, India's World Cup triumph represents the perfect blend of individual brilliance and team effort.

As Deepti Sharma aptly put it after receiving the Player of the Tournament award: "I can't believe this result. It feels like a dream. But I'm very happy I could contribute like this today. Without the fans, it wouldn't be possible. As a team, we feel so good after this result".

The dream has become reality. India are World Champions. And women's cricket in India will never be the same again.