Navi Mumbai / New Delhi / Mumbai [India], November 3 (ANI): India scripted history by winning their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai. The victory ended years of heartbreak following close misses in the 2005 and 2017 finals.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed heartfelt gratitude for being able to share the historic moment with Indian cricket legends Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, acknowledging their lasting contributions to women’s cricket in India.
“Jhulan Di was my biggest support. When I joined the team, she was leading it and always helped me during my early days when I was very raw. Anjum Chopra also guided me and shaped my approach to the game. I’m deeply grateful to share this special moment with Mithali and Jhulan — it was very emotional for all of us,” Harmanpreet said.
Reflecting on the match, Kaur revealed what she told her team when South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen were building a threatening partnership.
“I just told the girls to keep faith. We worked so hard for this. ODI cricket is long — opportunities always come. Our spinners are our strength, and as soon as Deepti and Charni came on, I knew wickets would fall. The message was clear: stay positive,” she said.
The Indian captain also spoke about Shafali Verma’s inspirational ‘Player of the Match’ performance, calling it “destiny.” Despite injuries to Yastika Bhatia and Pratika Rawal, Kaur said the team’s unity never faltered.
“Even when players got injured, no one lost hope. Everyone was positive, praying for each other, and focused on our end goal — the trophy. That spirit won us this title,” she added.
Match Summary
After South Africa opted to bowl first, India put up a commanding total of 298/7 in 50 overs.
- Shafali Verma (87 off 78) and Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58) provided a solid start with a century partnership.
- Deepti Sharma (58 off 58) and Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) provided the finishing flourish.
- South African bowler Ayabonga Khaka led their attack with 3/58.
During the chase, Laura Wolvaardt (101 off 98) kept South Africa alive, but a game-changing spell by Deepti Sharma (5/39) turned the tide. Deepti became the first Indian woman to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup final, sealing India’s maiden title as South Africa was bowled out for 246.
National Leaders and Cricket Icons React
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the team, calling the victory “a watershed moment” for women’s cricket.
“My heartiest congratulations to each member of the Indian women’s cricket team. They have created history and made India proud. This moment will elevate women’s cricket to even greater heights,” the President wrote on X.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal celebrated the victory as “HISTORY scripted,” while Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis hailed it as a triumph of “grit, determination, and teamwork.” Bihar CM Nitish Kumar lauded the players’ “remarkable skill, confidence, and spirit,” saying the win would “inspire future generations.”
Cricketing legends joined the chorus of praise. Virat Kohli called it a moment when “years of hard work came to life,” while Sachin Tendulkar compared it to the men’s 1983 victory:
“1983 inspired a generation to dream big. Today, our women have done the same, inspiring countless young girls to believe they too can lift that trophy one day,” Sachin said.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla and VVS Laxman also extended their congratulations, calling it “a win that will echo through generations.”
BCCI Announces ₹51 Crore Reward
Following the historic triumph, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a ₹51 crore cash prize for the players, coaches, and support staff.
“Just as Kapil Dev’s 1983 win changed Indian cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team have inspired a new era. They’ve not only lifted the trophy but also the hopes of millions,” Saikia told ANI.
He also credited Jay Shah’s leadership for major reforms in women’s cricket, including pay parity and a 300% increase in ICC prize money from $2.88 million to $14 million.
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