Navi Mumbai: India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their maiden Women’s World Cup title in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Chasing 299 runs, South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as Deepti Sharma took a five-wicket haul. Shafali Verma was also key for India, smacking 87 off 78 balls and also taking two wickets.

Laura Wolvaardt was left shell-shocked, falling to Deepti for 101 during the run chase. Then Deepti struck again to remove Chloe Tryon, completing her four-wicket haul. Nadine de Klerk was the final wicket lost as Deepti struck again.

Wolvaardt and her opening partner Tazmin Brits got off to a strong start, but an error in judgement from the latter saw her fall victim to a direct hit from Amanjot Kaur, departing for 23 off 35 balls. Meanwhile, Anneke Bosch had a miserable outing with the bat, falling for a six-ball duck to Shree Charani. Sune Luus did try to support Laura Wolvaardt, but the former South Africa skipper fell to Shafali Verma’s golden arm, departing for 25 off 31 balls. Then Shafali struck again, removing Marizanne Kapp for four off five balls.

In the first innings, Deepti Sharma (58) and Shafali Verma (87) got half-centuries as India reached 298/7 in 50 overs.

India were handed a strong start, with both Shafali and Smriti Mandhana attacking Kapp. But Mandhana eventually outside-edged Tryon in the 18th over and was caught at  45 off 58 balls.

Meanwhile, Shafali got her half-century in the final ball of the same over. Eventually, she lost her wicket to Khaka for 87 off 78 balls, failing to get a ton. India’s semifinal hero Jemimah Rodrigues failed to continue her good form, losing her wicket for 24 off 37 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur also failed to build on her form from the semis and was dismissed for 20 off 29 balls. Also, Amanjot Kaur failed to contribute and was dismissed by De Klerk for 12 off 14 balls.

Richa Ghosh made a short cameo, keeping India’s scoreboard ticking in the death overs. She was dismissed in the final ball of the 49th over after smacking 34 off 24 balls. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma remained registered 58 off 58 balls as India set a target of 299 runs.

India crossed the 50-run mark in 6.3 overs and got to 64/0 in 10 overs and then went past 100 runs in 17.2 overs, reaching 102/0. It was a delayed toss due to rain and it took place at 4.32 pm. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl.

PM, CM congratulate

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “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 historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports. #WomensWorldCup2025.”

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team for scripting history by winning the World Cup. “The Indian women’s cricket team has etched their name in history by clinching the World Cup with an extraordinary display of skill, passion, and perseverance. Heartfelt congratulations to our incredible world champions!,” he said in a post on X.