NDC Sports Desk | November 3
At DR D Y Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, the final proved to be a landmark moment, not just for the winning side, but for women’s cricket in India.
India had been runners-up in previous editions but had never lifted the trophy. This time, the home side had the crowd and expectation on their side. Meanwhile, South Africa made their first appearance in a World Cup final—both teams knew a new champion was to be crowned.
Winning the toss, South Africa elected to bowl first, and India made them pay. The Indian batting lineup laid a strong platform.Shafali Verma smashed a brisk 87 – her aggression setting the tone.
Deepti Sharma played a composed innings of 58, steadying the middle phase and pushing India to a formidable total.
India posted 298/7 in their 50 overs, giving South Africa a huge target to chase. This total represented not only batting firepower but also strategic execution under pressure.
Chasing nearly 300 in a World Cup final is a daunting task. South Africa had their moments.
Their captain Laura Wolvaardt once again showed her class, continuing her strong tournament form. They battled through the innings, but the steady pressure from India’s bowlers and some key wickets meant they were always a step behind.
Ultimately, South Africa were unable to match the asking rate and India’s momentum—a testament to the Indian side’s balance across batting, bowling and fielding.
First-ever Women’s World Cup Title for India – After years of near misses, this victory is historic.The triumph underlines the growth of the women’s game at home; the stage has been set for greater recognition, investment and inspiration for younger players.
India’s performance showcased not just raw talent but also maturity in key moments: building partnerships, handling pressure, bowling to plans.
With South Africa making the final and putting up a solid fight, the tournament reinforced that women’s international cricket is deepening in competition and excitement.
Big totals win finals: India’s near-300 score proved a cushion, showing that batting first and piling up runs remains a strong approach in modern women’s ODIs.
Shafali’s blazing knock and Deepti’s solidity highlight how younger players are taking the mantle. This bodes well for the future.
The 2025 Women’s World Cup final will be remembered as a breakthrough moment for Indian women’s cricket. It was the kind of match that can change perceptions, inspire the next generation, and mark the start of a new chapter. India stood tall, earned the right to see their flag raised, and made history.
