Navi Mumbai, November 3, 2025 — The roar of “We are the champions!” echoed through the stands as India’s women cricketers etched their names into history, lifting the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 trophy for the first time. In a fittingly emotional scene, Indian legend Jhulan Goswami — a symbol of grit and perseverance — was seen in tears as she finally held the coveted trophy alongside Mithali Raj, the icons who paved the path for this golden generation.
After years of heartbreak and near misses, including the agonizing final defeat in 2017, India finally triumphed — defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a pulsating final at Navi Mumbai. The victory marked not just a sporting milestone, but a celebration of women’s cricket, resilience, and national pride.
Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma Script Glory
It was an all-round masterclass from Deepti Sharma and a fearless knock by Shafali Verma that powered India to glory.
Opting to bat first after a rain delay, Verma led from the front, hammering a blistering 87 off 78 balls, packed with boundaries and audacious strokeplay. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana (45) set the tone early, taking India past the 100-run mark in the 15th over.
Despite a mid-innings wobble, Sharma anchored the innings with composure, scoring 58 off 54 balls, while Richa Ghosh added a quickfire 34 from 24 balls to propel India to a formidable 298 for 7. South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) and Chloe Tryon (1/46) tried to stem the flow, but India’s depth and determination shone through.
In reply, South Africa’s chase was anchored by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who played a magnificent innings of 101 off 95 balls, becoming the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 510 runs. But Deepti Sharma turned destroyer-in-chief, bagging a sensational five-wicket haul (5/39) to derail the Proteas innings.
Shafali, who shone with the bat, also struck twice with the ball, removing key batters Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India a memorable 52-run victory.
Tears of Triumph and Redemption
The emotional aftermath told its own story. As India’s captain lifted the trophy, the players rushed to the sidelines to bring Jhulan Goswami, Mithali Raj, and Anjum Chopra — the pioneering figures of Indian women’s cricket — into the celebrations. Goswami, overcome with emotion, lifted the trophy with trembling hands, symbolizing a full-circle moment for a generation that dreamed this into reality.
“This is for every woman who ever dared to dream,” said skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, holding back tears. “We stand on the shoulders of legends like Jhulan di and Mithali di.”
Historic Rewards and National Pride
In recognition of the team’s remarkable achievement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a ₹51 crore cash prize for the players, coaches, and support staff. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that this amount is independent of the ICC’s prize purse.
The ICC had already enhanced the winners’ purse to USD 4.48 million (approx. ₹42 crore) — a record-breaking sum that underscores the growing stature of women’s cricket globally.
Records Shattered
The tournament saw several new records for India. Richa Ghosh tied with West Indies star Deandra Dottin and South Africa’s Lizelle Lee for the most sixes (12) in a single World Cup edition. Deepti Sharma finished as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 18 wickets, while Shafali Verma’s fearless batting set the tone for India’s aggressive new era.
A Moment for the Ages
As fireworks lit up the Navi Mumbai sky, the chants of “India! India!” rang loud and clear. This victory wasn’t just about cricket — it was a statement of belief, unity, and transformation in Indian sport.
For the millions of fans across the country, this triumph will forever be remembered as the moment Indian women’s cricket came of age — a triumph of spirit, skill, and sisterhood.
Final Score:
India: 298/7 (50 overs) — Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58
South Africa: 246 all out (45.3 overs) — Laura Wolvaardt 101, Deepti Sharma 5/39
Result: India won by 52 runs
Photo Credit: Social Media