A match-winning performance by Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma saw India win their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title in an absolutely thrilling final against South Africa women. Hosts India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a memorable finale that ended decades of heartbreak for Indian women’s cricket.
Shafali Verma, who came into India’s World Cup squad as a late inclusion, put on an all-round display with a brilliant 87 followed by two wickets. Deepti Sharma also rose to the occasion, smashing 58 runs and taking five wickets that sealed India’s victory.
Despite a brilliant 101 by Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa finished runners-up once again – their third ICC tournament final defeat in succession.
IND vs SA Women Final: India Post a Commanding Total of 298/7
Batting first after a rain delay, India put 298/7 on the board, their third-highest ODI total without a century. Opening pair Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India just the perfect start, racing to 45/0 inside six overs with a century partnership.
Verma was looking sublime, first with her footwork to outclass the South African pacers and Mandhana played her elegant strokes through the covers. Both batsmen forged a stand after which Chloe Tyron broke the opening stand dismissing Mandhana.
Verma continued her aggressive approach, bringing up her fifty in style. Jemimah Rodrigues added to India’s momentum before both fell in quick succession Verma agonizingly short of her maiden ODI hundred on 87.
The skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, along with Deepti Sharma, steadied the innings before late fireworks from Richa Ghosh took over. An early towering six in her innings by Ghosh and Deepti’s composed half-century helped India reach a formidable 298 to keep South Africa under pressure right from the start.
India Women vs South Africa Women: Wolvaardt Fights, But Deepti and Verma Dominate
In pursuit of 299, South Africa adopted a conservative approach as Indian bowlers maintained consistency in their line. Tazmin Brits began slowly although Laura Wolvaardt counter punched backs with classy boundaries with South Africa 51/0 after 9 overs.
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However, a moment of brilliance from Amanjot Kaur, who ran out Brits with a direct hit, sparked India’s comeback. Soon after, Shree Charani trapped Anneke Bosch lbw for a duck, tightening India’s grip.
After the drinks break, Wolvaardt and Sune Luus revived South African hopes, but a tactical masterstroke from Harmanpreet Kaur brought Shafali Verma into the attack. She struck twice in quick succession, removing both Luus and Marizanne Kapp to tilt the momentum back in favour of India.
Deepti Sharma’s Magical Spell Seals India’s Victory
Deepti Sharma then took over with a match-winning spell. First, she removed Sinalo Jafta and then bowled a perfect yorker to send Annerie Dercksen packing after a brief counterattack.
Deepti’s dream spell continued as she removed the in-form Wolvaardt for 101 before trapping Chloe Tyron lbw three balls later. The lower order of South Africa offered little resistance as Nadine de Klerk’s cameo wasn’t enough to save the day. India eventually bowled out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs to complete a 52-run win and create history on home soil.
IND vs SA Women Final 2025: Brief Scores
India: 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58)
South Africa: 246 in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101; Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36)
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Result: India women won by 52 runs
Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma: Heroes of the World Cup Victory of India
Shafali Verma: 87 runs (highest ODI score) & 2 wickets
Deepti Sharma: 58 runs & 5/39 (career-best World Cup figures)
This IND vs SA women’s final will be remembered in cricket history as a watershed moment because it signaled the rise of a fearless new generation of Indian cricketers, led by Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, who showed skill, confidence, and belief on the biggest stage.
With this victory, India not only ended a long wait for a World Cup title, but also sent a strong message to the rest of the world that they are now one of the true powerhouses of women’s cricket.
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