India end decades-long wait as Harmanpreet Kaur’s side lift the ICC Women’s World Cup after a commanding 52-run win over South Africa in Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai| 02 November 2025

In a watershed moment for Indian sport, the India women’s national cricket team lifted the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 crown for the very first time, defeating a spirited South Africa women’s national cricket team side by 52 runs in the final at the Dr DY Patil Stadium. The victory ends years of near-misses and promises to redefine the trajectory of women’s cricket in India.

Road to The Title

India entered the tournament under intense expectation but also past disappointment. Having reached the final twice — in 2005 and 2017 — without sealing the deal, this time was billed as a chance to rewrite history. India Today+1 Their opponent in the final, South Africa, were also chasing their maiden title, meaning one of the two would be a first-time champion.

Despite a shaky start in the event, where India suffered three straight losses, the team steadied and gathered momentum heading into the knockout rounds.

Final Match Highlights

Batting first, India posted a formidable total, thanks in large part to fiery opening contributions and a mature middle-order display. The bowlers then executed with precision, carving through South Africa’s chase and ensuring the trophy came home.

A few performances stood out:

• Shafali Verma exploded with 87 runs and claimed a couple of key wickets — emerging as one of the defining players of the final.
• Deepti Sharma produced a fine all-round effort: a half-century with the bat and a five-wicket haul with the ball, a rare and match-turning combination.
• Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India showed resilience and composure under pressure, an attribute that had eluded them in previous finals.

South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt produced a century of her own, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to carry the visitors over the line.

Significance and Context

This win is far more than a trophy. For Indian women’s cricket, it is a milestone moment — described in some quarters as a “1983 moment” for women, invoking India’s legendary men’s 1983 World Cup triumph.

By breaking through, India’s women have not only vindicated years of effort and talent but also created a powerful narrative for future generations. The role-models now exist, the proof is there, and the pathway appears clearer.

From a global-cricket vantage: this final guaranteed a first-time champion. Both India and South Africa had not won the Women’s World Cup before, so the result would mark the emergence of a new power.

Wider Impact

• The stadium was packed, the support galvanised, and Indian women’s cricket suddenly occupies a new position in public consciousness.
• Financial and developmental implications: the victory triggers increased investment, sponsorship opportunities and spotlight on the women’s game. The Times of India
• From a sporting culture perspective, it brings legitimacy, momentum, and a tangible goal for young girls in India: you can win the world cup too.
• Critically, the narrative of “good cricket without silverware” is over. India’s women have delivered when it mattered.

What Went Right

• Tactical clarity: bowled at the right times, rotated resources wisely.
• Peak performances when it mattered: Shafali’s fearless batting, Deepti’s all-round surge, the leadership stepping up.
• Mental resilience: overcoming early losses in the tournament and handling the final’s pressure.
• Home advantage utilised: crowds, conditions, and momentum turned into energy, not distractions.

What Still Needs Attention

I’m not going to sugar-coat things — this win doesn’t mean everything is perfect in Indian women’s cricket moving forward. There are still areas to improve:

• Depth: Key performers shone, but there must be consistent output across the squad, not just flashes.
• Domestic structures: Talent pipelines need reinforcement so this isn’t a one-time peak but sustainable.
• Global competitiveness: Other nations will raise their game; India must avoid complacency.
• Infrastructure & investment: The win raises expectations; backing must follow in a structured way, not just one-off celebrations.

The Road Ahead

Now that India has broken through, the question is: what next? The focus must shift from “can we win?” to “how do we defend, grow and build a dynasty?” The momentum from this 2025 title must convert into consistent dominance.

Key things to look out for:

• The next World Cup cycle: Can India maintain this level, stay injury-free, expand the bench strength?
• How well the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and associated bodies capitalise on this moment to invest in women’s cricket.
• Whether this triggers a broader cultural shift in India: more girls playing cricket, stronger visibility, more financial equity.
• South Africa and other contenders will now see this as an example; competition will intensify, so India cannot rest.

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