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Harmanpreet Kaur-led India finally achieved the ultimate glory, defeating South Africa in the final to win the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 title. India got the better of South Africa by 52 runs to claim their first-ever ICC trophy. The monumental victory sparked powerful, emotional scenes, with players like skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shedding tears of joy, and Indian men's cricket captain Rohit Sharma, watching from the stands, visibly moved by the achievement.
Rohit Sharma in tears after India's Women's World Cup title glory
After losing the toss and being invited to bat first, the hosts rose to the occasion by piling up a huge score of $298/7$ on the board. Shafali Verma was the star of the innings, playing what is being hailed as one of the greatest knocks by an Indian in World Cup history. She smashed an aggressive 87 runs off just 78 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. Crucial support came from Deepti Sharma, who hit an excellent half-century, while Smriti Mandhana (45), Richa Ghosh (34), Jemimah Rodrigues (24), and Harmanpreet Kaur (20) all chipped in with vital contributions.
Deepti Sharma's 5-fer in India's triumph
In defense of the challenging target, India's bowlers ensured the hosts maintained control by picking up wickets at regular intervals. The only batter who troubled the Indian attack was South Africa's modern-day batting great, Laura Wolvaardt, who slammed a sensational century before being dismissed. The bowling display was headlined by Deepti Sharma, who continued her stellar all-round form by bagging a historic five-wicket haul. Supported by Shafali Verma, who picked up two wickets, and Shree Charani with one, India bowled out South Africa for 246, securing the World Cup title, which broke their 52-year-old drought to taste the glory.
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