Navi Mumbai, November 3 (Udaipur Kiran) — The Indian women’s cricket team created history on Sunday night by lifting their first-ever Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. With this win, India has become the new world champion in women’s cricket — ending a 25-year wait for a new team to claim the title.

Batting first, India posted a commanding 298/7 in 50 overs. Shafali Verma led the charge with a brilliant 87 off 78 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes in her career-best ODI innings. Smriti Mandhana supported her well with 45 runs off 58 balls as the duo stitched a strong 104-run opening partnership. Deepti Sharma added a crucial 58, while Richa Ghosh scored 34 to help India set a challenging total.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon claimed one wicket each.

In reply, South Africa’s chase faltered under pressure. Despite a valiant effort from skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who scored a superb 101 off 98 balls, the team was bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs. India’s disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding sealed the victory.

Amanjot Kaur’s stunning catch to dismiss Wolvaardt was the turning point of the match. Earlier, Deepti Sharma took a key wicket to break a crucial partnership, while Shafali Verma and other bowlers maintained steady pressure.

For South Africa, Tazmin Brits (23) was run out early, Bosch fell without scoring, and Marizanne Kapp managed just four runs. Despite some resistance from Dirksen (35) and Jafta (16), the team fell short of the target.

The victory marks a historic milestone for Indian women’s cricket, as the team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, fulfilled a long-cherished dream by winning the World Cup for the first time. The triumph is also a testament to the rising dominance and determination of Indian women cricketers on the global stage.

Final Score:

Key Performers:

• Shafali Verma – 87 (78)

• Deepti Sharma – 58 (Run Out)

• Laura Wolvaardt – 101 (98)

• Ayabonga Khaka – 3 wickets

India’s triumph in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup will go down as one of the greatest achievements in Indian cricket history — a victory that will inspire generations of young women cricketers to come.