India's vice captain Smriti Mandhana created history as she enjoyed the best-ever Women's ODI World Cup campaign by an Indian batter.
Smriti Mandhana breaks Mithali Raj's World Cup record for India
Mandhana concluded the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 as India's highest run-getter, accumulating a massive 434 runs across nine innings at an impressive average of 54.25, which included one century and two half-centuries. This tally placed her second overall in the tournament, only behind South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt (470 runs). Previously, the record was held by Mithali Raj, who scored 409 runs in the 2017 edition.
In the high-stakes Women's World Cup final against South Africa, Mandhana provided a crucial foundation for the Indian innings, scoring a valuable 45 runs off 58 balls with eight fours. She effectively anchored the innings, allowing her opening partner Shafali Verma to play freely, as the pair went on to establish a century partnership. Beyond the World Cup, Mandhana has been in prolific form this year, emerging as the top run-getter in Women's ODIs globally with a record-breaking 1,362 runs in 23 innings at an average of 61.90, featuring five centuries and five fifties.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. Both the teams didn't tinker with their playing XI.
Mandhana and Shafali Varma combined to give India a solid start as the duo put together a 102-run opening partnership before the former had to return to the hut after notching 45. Shafali then took up the mantle of scoring runs and cracked a robust 78-ball 87 before falling prey to Ayabonga Khaka in the 28th over. As of 40.2 overs, India were 232/4 with Deepti Sharma (38*) and Amanjot (38) intact on the crease.
India Women Playing XI:
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur
South Africa Women Playing XI:
Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba