India defeats South Africa by 52 runs at packed D.Y. Patil Stadium to end 12-year wait for ICC trophy
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| India’s players celebrate with the trophy during the presentation ceremony after winning the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, at the DY Patil Stadium, in Navi Mumbai, early Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI |
NAVI MUMBAI — India's women's cricket team etched their names in history on Sunday night, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup final at the D.Y. Patil Stadium to claim their maiden world title.
In front of a capacity crowd that roared with every boundary and wicket, India successfully defended 298 runs as South Africa fell short despite a valiant century from captain Laura Wolvaardt. The victory marks the end of a 12-year drought for an ICC trophy in Indian women's cricket.
Shafali's Redemption Story
The unlikely hero of the night was 21-year-old Shafali Verma, who was playing domestic cricket in Surat just days ago after being dropped from the ODI squad a year earlier. Opening the batting, Shafali top-scored with a composed 87, showcasing a maturity that belied her aggressive reputation.
"She showed incredible temperament," observers noted as Shafali anchored a crucial 104-run opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana. Unlike her typically explosive style, the Delhi batter demonstrated newfound patience, playing predominantly along the ground before falling to Ayabonga Khaka in the 28th over.
But Shafali's contributions didn't end there. In a masterstroke, captain Harmanpreet Kaur introduced her as a bowling change, and the youngster delivered immediately, dismissing Sune Luus off just her second ball. A jubilant Harmanpreet leaped into Shafali's arms as the opener carried her captain around the wicket in celebration. Shafali later added the wicket of her Delhi Capitals teammate Marizanne Kapp to finish with two crucial scalps.
Deepti's Match-Winning Spell
If Shafali set the stage, all-rounder Deepti Sharma stole the show with a devastating five-wicket haul that broke South Africa's resistance. After contributing a vital half-century with the bat alongside Richa Ghosh to push India's total close to 300, Deepti returned to dismantle the South African chase.
Her spell began with the prized wicket of Wolvaardt, who had just completed a magnificent century under immense pressure—her second consecutive ton in the tournament. Deepti then systematically dismantled the lower order, her off-spin proving too much for the struggling tail-enders.
Wolvaardt's Lone Battle
Chasing 299, South Africa needed their captain to anchor the innings, and Wolvaardt delivered with a knock of the highest quality. Despite losing Tazmin Brits within the PowerPlay and watching wickets tumble at the other end, the South African skipper held firm.
She found temporary relief in Annerie Dercksen's spirited six-hitting before slowly grinding her way to a second consecutive century. However, with partners scarce and the asking rate climbing, even Wolvaardt's brilliance couldn't prevent the inevitable.
Nadine de Klerk fought valiantly at the death, hoping to replicate her league-stage heroics, but with 53 runs needed from the final five overs and just one wicket remaining, the mountain proved too steep to climb.
Captain's Dream Realized
On the eve of the final, when asked about potential celebrations, Harmanpreet had smiled knowingly: "For big occasions, you don't have to plan anything because we have visualised it and dreamt about it so many times."
Less than 24 hours later, with the D.Y. Patil Stadium erupting in celebration and her team completing their coronation, those dreams became reality. The raucous celebrations extended well into the night as India finally claimed the ICC crown that had eluded them for over a decade.
The match, delayed by two hours due to rain, ultimately delivered a spectacle worthy of a World Cup final—a fitting end to a tournament that saw Indian cricket's women write a new chapter in the nation's sporting history.
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