All-round brilliance by Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma secure India their maiden Women's World Cup glory

India secure first Women's World Cup glory (BCCI Photo)

India scripted history in Navi Mumbai as the hosts led by Harmanpreet Kaur defeated South Africa by 52 runs to win their maiden ICC Women's ODI World Cup.

Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were the notable contributors in both departments of the game. The 21-year-old, who was not part of the initial World Cup squad and only came in as a replacement for Pratika Rawal ahead of the semifinal, blasted 78-ball 87 and then registered two scalps.

Deepti too played a key role in the triumph, which also helped her finish as the Player of the Tournament. She gave the side an edge with her all-round brilliance in the finale, first contributing run-a-ball 58 with the bat and then registering a five-wicket haul.

The efforts saw India fold South Africa for 246/10 in 45.3 overs while chasing a challenging 299.

The proceedings, which witnessed a delay of two hours due to rain, began with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laying a solid platform as India piled a massive 298/7 after being asked to bat first. The pair added 104 for the first wicket before Mandhana was caught-behind for 45(58), featuring eight boundaries, off Chloe Tryon's bowling.

Shafali helped India build further and was also handed a lifeline by Anneke Bosch on 56, who missed a routine opportunity at the deep square leg region. She was eventually dismissed for 87(78) after handing a simple catch to Sune Luus at mid-off off Ayabonga Khaka's bowling. Khaka then injected a second blow, packing Jemimah Rodrigues for 24(37), who was caught by Laura Wolvaardt at short cover.

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 2, 2025

Deepti Sharma then combined with Harmanpreet Kaur to add a sedated 50-plus stand before Nonkululeko Mlaba castled the India captain for 20(29). In an interesting call, Amanjot was sent ahead of explosive wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. She was caught-and-bowled for 12(14) by Nadine de Klerk, following which Richa joined the action and opened her account with a maximum over wide long-off. Richa made a handy contribution of 34(24), featuring three boundaries and a couple of maximums, before getting against Khaka. Deepti, on the other hand, , was run-out for run-a-ball 58 in the final ball of the innings.

India in response showed great commitment while fielding, which also led to a run-out. The pair of Laura Wolvaardt and Tanzim Brits gave South Africa a decent start and added 51 runs for the first wicket. However, the fielders never allowed the pair to settle and Brits eventually perished to a direct-hit by Amanjot Kaur, positioned at mid-on, while trying to steal a single. Shree Charani then increased the problems for visitors, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW for a six-ball duck.

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The moment #TeamIndia won the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Scorecard https://t.co/TIbbeE4ViO#WomenInBlue | #CWC25 | #Final | #INDvSA | @ImHarmanpreet pic.twitter.com/bCXjKIcI9R

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) November 2, 2025

Wolvaardt, however, maintained her fine form and went to complete her century. She was eventually dismissed for 101 off 98 balls, featuring 11 fours and a six. During her stay in the middle, she was also involved in a 52-run stand for the third-wicket with Sune Luus. The latter was dismissed by part-timer Shafali for 25(31), who then dismissed Marizanne Kapp for 4(5).

Wolvaardt stitched another 61-run stand with Annerie Dercksen, who was dismissed by Deepti for 35(37). Nadine de Klerk was the final batter to be dismissed by Deepti for 18(19) as Harmanpreet, the Indian skipper, fittingly produced the last act of the evening. Positioned at covers, she ran backwards to grab a stunner and the trophy for India.