India defeats South Africa to win their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in Navi Mumbai! Get the full match summary, key turning points, and all the historic records that followed the unforgettable final.
New Delhi: India won its first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title on Sunday, beating South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium. The hosts posted 298/7, and then bowled out the Proteas for 246, sparking wild celebrations across the stadium and across the country.
Below is a clear, simple news story that opens with the victory, briefly describes key moments of the match, and then lists — in plain language — the new and broken records from the tournament and the final.
Match short summary — how India sealed the title
India elected to bat. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on a big opening stand that gave India a strong platform. Shafali was the star of the innings, scoring 87 off 78 balls; she also took two wickets with her part-time bowling. Support came from Deepti Sharma (58) and a late-firework cameo by Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) to take India to 298/7. South Africa fought back, led by Laura Wolvaardt’s century (101), but India’s bowlers — especially Deepti Sharma, who took 5/39 — finished the job and wrapped up the match in the 46th over. Shafali was named Player of the Match; Deepti was named Player of the Tournament.
Key turning points
The 104-run opening partnership between Mandhana and Shafali set the tone and allowed India to build a big total.
Shafali’s quick fifty and aggressive batting kept the scoreboard moving and lifted pressure from the middle order.
In the chase, India’s fielding (including crucial run-outs) and Deepti Sharma’s spin attack broke South Africa’s middle and lower order. Her five-wicket haul removed the tail and swung the match decisively in India’s favour.
Records broken or set in the final and across the tournament
Below are the important records that were set or updated during the final and the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Each item is stated plainly so readers unfamiliar with cricket can easily understand the achievement.
India’s first ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title — The team’s maiden World Cup victory was the headline moment of the evening.
- Shafali Verma — fastest big final fifty and all-round match impact:
Shafali scored a 49-ball fifty in the final, one of the quickest fifties in a Women’s World Cup final, and finished with 87 runs and 2 wickets — making her one of the few players to score a fifty and take wickets in a World Cup final. - Deepti Sharma’s historic all-round double:
Deepti scored 58 in the final and took 5/39 with the ball. Across the tournament she finished with 215 runs and 22 wickets, a combination that earned her Player of the Tournament and marked a rare 200+ runs and 20+ wickets feat in a single World Cup edition. - Laura Wolvaardt — highest run-scorer of the tournament:
Wolvaardt finished the World Cup with 571 runs, the most by any player in this edition. Her century in the final was a valiant effort but not enough to win the trophy. - Most sixes in a single edition (tied):
Richa Ghosh finished with 12 sixes in the tournament, equalling the previous single-edition record. - Youngest and fastest final milestones
Shafali’s fifty made her one of the youngest to hit a fifty in a World Cup final (21 years, 278 days — as reported) and among the quickest fifties recorded in a final.
What this win means
This title is a landmark for Indian women’s cricket. It ends a long wait for a global 50-over trophy and follows India’s growing strength in women’s cricket at home and abroad. Team and fans celebrated across the country; cricket authorities have already pledged rewards and recognition for the players and staff. The win is widely seen as a potential turning point that will boost interest, investment and participation in women’s cricket across India.
Quick Highlights from the Final
Final score: India 298/7 (50 overs) beat South Africa 246 (45.3 overs) — India won by 52 runs.
Player of the Match: Shafali Verma (87 & 2 wickets).
Player of the Tournament: Deepti Sharma (215 runs, 22 wickets).
