Team India Conquers the World: The Women in Blue Script Golden History in Navi Mumbai

This was not any other Sunday. This Sunday night will be remembered for generations to come!

Team India created history in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, defeating South Africa by 52 runs to claim their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title. Chasing 299 runs, South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as Deepti Sharma took a five-wicket haul.

Both Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma delivered stellar all-round performances. Laura Wolvaardt was left shellshocked, falling to Deepti for 101 during the run chase. While Shafali was the highest run scorer, Deepti Sharma was the leading wicket taker for India. Both players did it brilliantly with both ball and bat.

Team India’s bowling brilliance

Team India got the first breakthrough with a direct hit by Amanjot Kaur. Tazmin Brits’ brisk start was ended by a perfect throw by Kaur while South Africa was 51 at 9.3 overs. Soon after that, the second success came from Sree Charani. Anneke Bosch, who’d struggled for form in the tournament, was trapped in front at 11.5 overs by Charani when South Africa was only 62. Bosch was out for 0.

Suné Luus’s attempt to rebuild was halted at 114 when Shafali Verma produced a caught-and-bowled, a momentum-shifting moment that swung the initiative firmly back to India. She scored 25.

The important scalp of Marizanne Kapp followed soon after — caught in the outfield (Richa Ghosh held the catch) off Shafali Verma — removing another experienced campaigner from the chase. She could score only 4. Another breakthrough came when Deepti Sharma struck to have Sinalo Jafta caught by Radha Yadav at 29.3 — the fifth wicket that left the Proteas staring uphill.

While South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt was approaching a century (99), Deepti Sharma  bowled Annerie Dercksen (35) at 39.3 overs. It was the turning point that came in the match when Deepti Sharma took the wicket of South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who had already got a brilliant score of  101 runs.

Amanjot could grab the catch in the third attempt after a sensational juggling. Soon after, it’s again Deepti Sharma’s brilliant bowling that showed Chloe Tryon, the next batter, the doors to the pavilion with an LBW.

Though Sree Charani conceded a few runs in the 45th over, the over ended with Ayabonga Khaka’s run-out by Deepti and Richa. Soon after, Deepti Sharma ended South Africa’s dream by taking Nadine de Klerk’s wicket as the Team India captain took her catch.

With this wicket, Deepti Sharma got 5 wickets in the final against South Africa, and Deepti received the prestigious player of the tournament title for overall performance in the tournament.

Also Read: The Women in Blue eye the maiden title

Team India’s impressive 298

Earlier, India delivered an impressive batting performance in the final. India scored 298/7 in 50 overs against South Africa at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. The total set a formidable 299-run target for the Proteas.

The final began on a damp note as persistent rain delayed proceedings. The delayed toss finally took place at 4:32 PM IST. South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first. Play began at 5 PM IST, with no overs lost, though conditions remained humid and overcast.

Team India and South Africa entered the grand finale on the back of emphatic semi-final wins —Team India defeating Australia and South Africa overcoming England — setting the stage for a contest of equals.

India’s openers gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana blazed away in the powerplay, racing to 64/0 in the first 10 overs, their best start of the tournament. The duo went on to stitch a superb 104-run opening stand, laying the perfect platform for a big total.

Mandhana, elegant and composed, fell for 45 off 58 balls, caught behind by Sinalo Jafta off Chloe Tryon. Shafali, however, continued to dominate, mixing aggression with control to craft a brilliant 87 off 78 balls before being dismissed by Ayabonga Khaka, who also accounted for Jemimah Rodrigues (24).

For her impactful performance in the  final, Shafali Verma wins the Player of the Match award.

Team India Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20) looked solid but was bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba, while Deepti Sharma anchored the middle order with a valuable half-century, ensuring India’s momentum didn’t fade. A quick cameo from Richa Ghosh in the death overs pushed India close to the 300-mark.

For South Africa, Khaka also claimed the wicket of Rich Ghosh, maintaining superb discipline during the middle overs. Tryon and Mlaba provided able support, but India’s top order had already done the damage.

Also Read:  A Magical Night in Navi Mumbai – India Create History!

Smriti Mandhana Creates History

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana ended her World Cup campaign with the bat with a historic feat as she overtook former skipper Mithali Raj in the final today. Smriti achieved the feat by scoring 45 runs in 58 balls, which included eight boundaries.

The Prime Minister congratulates Team India

Soon after the great victory, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the women in blue on X,

“A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance in the final was marked by great skill and confidence. The team showed exceptional teamwork and tenacity throughout the tournament. Congratulations to our players. This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports.”

Disclaimer:

This article is based on information available from official match reports and live coverage of ICC sources. All statistics, quotes, and match details are accurate as per the latest official updates at the time of publication. The content is written for news reporting and informational purposes only.