India Lifts Women World Cup 2025: Team India created history at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, clinching their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title with a dominant victory over South Africa. The night belonged to Shafali Verma, who delivered a breathtaking all-round performance — scoring a fiery 87 runs and taking two key wickets — as India triumphed by a commanding margin.
Shafali Verma Sets the Stage Ablaze
When South Africa opted to bowl first after winning the toss, it looked like India would face an uphill battle. But Shafali Verma had other plans. Opening alongside Smriti Mandhana, she unleashed a storm right from the start, smashing 7 fours and 2 sixes in her 78-ball 87 at a strike rate of 111.54.
Her attacking intent rattled the Protea bowlers, and together with Mandhana (45 off 58), she built a solid 104-run opening partnership, setting the perfect foundation for India’s innings.
Middle Order Steps Up Strong
After Shafali’s dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues (24 off 37) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20 off 29) kept the scoreboard ticking, ensuring India maintained momentum. The innings found new life through Deepti Sharma, who played a classy unbeaten knock of 58 runs off 58 balls, blending caution with aggression.
Richa Ghosh’s late fireworks — 34 runs off just 24 balls with three fours and two sixes — added the final punch as India reached a commanding total of 298/7 in 50 overs at a healthy run rate of 5.96.
South Africa’s bowling was led by Ayabonga Khaka, who picked up 3 wickets for 58 runs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon claimed one each.
South Africa Falter Under Pressure
Chasing 299 was never going to be easy, and India’s disciplined bowling made it even tougher. Laura Wolvaardt, the South African captain, waged a lone battle with a fluent 65 off 56 balls, but lacked strong partnerships from the other end.
South Africa’s innings stumbled to 125 for 4 in 24.1 overs when rain halted play, and with India well ahead on the DLS method, the result was sealed — India Women won the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final by 74 runs (DLS method).
Shafali Verma – Player of the Match
In addition to her explosive batting, Shafali also shone with the ball, taking 2 wickets for just 19 runs in 5 overs, including the prized scalps of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp.
Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, while her consistent performances throughout the tournament also secured her the Player of the Tournament title.
As the Indian players lifted the trophy under the glowing Mumbai sky, tears of joy rolled down their faces. The moment wasn’t just about winning a match — it was about breaking barriers, inspiring millions, and proving that the future of cricket is proudly painted in blue.
India are the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Champions — and Shafali Verma, the fearless face of a new era, is the name that will be remembered forever.