India have won the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The Indian women outclassed South Africa by 52 runs with 27 balls to spare in the final match at Navi Mumbai. An all-round performance from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma powered India to their first-ever Women’s World Cup title.

Blazing half-centuries from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma powered India to a strong total of 298/7 in 50 overs. Smriti Mandhana also played a valuable knock but missed her half-century by just five runs. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka (3/58 in 9 overs) led the bowling attack.

While chasing, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits gave South Africa a solid start. However, once Brits was run out, wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Wolvaardt held one end and scored a superb century, taking South Africa past 200.

But a destructive spell from Deepti Sharma (5/39 in 9.3 overs) kept the South African batters under pressure. Eventually, South Africa were bowled out for 246. This victory marks India’s first-ever World Cup title in women’s cricket.

Shafali and Mandhana Set a Strong Platform

When play began, India’s openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave their side an ideal start. The pair built a 104-run opening stand, with Shafali attacking early and Mandhana anchoring the innings with classy shots through the off side.

After Mandhana’s dismissal, India’s scoring rate fluctuated. Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Amanjot Kaur got starts but couldn’t convert them into big scores. Despite that, Shafali’s fluent knock ensured India crossed 200 comfortably before she fell for 87.

Richa Ghosh’s late cameo, featuring a stylish six over the covers, helped India near the 300 mark, though tight bowling from Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) and Nadine de Klerk kept them slightly short of their projected total.

Wolvaardt’s Heroic Century Falls Short

South Africa, led by the in-form Laura Wolvaardt, gave India a tough fight. Wolvaardt, who had already been the tournament’s top scorer, struck a stunning 101 off 98 balls. Her innings kept South Africa alive in the chase until she mistimed a Deepti delivery into the night sky, ending their hopes.

Nadine de Klerk, who had played a match-winning role against India in the group stage, tried to revive South Africa again. But with 78 runs needed and only two wickets left, her effort wasn’t enough.

Conditions Favoured India’s Balanced Attack

South Africa won the toss and chose to field, expecting dew to help them during the chase. But the delayed start due to rain reduced the dew factor, leveling the conditions. The pitch offered grip and turn — perfect for India’s spinners.

India’s batters, skilled at manipulating spin, adapted quickly. In contrast, South Africa struggled to contain India’s attack later in the evening.

Deepti and Renuka Lead the Bowling Charge

India’s defense of 298 began impressively. Renuka Singh’s sharp swing troubled the South African openers, while a brilliant direct hit from Amanjot Kaur ran out Tazmin Brits early.

Soon after, Anneke Bosch was trapped lbw by Charani, leaving South Africa in trouble at 20 for 2. However, Wolvaardt and Sune Luus counterattacked to rebuild the innings. Just as the partnership looked dangerous, Shafali Verma — with her part-time off-spin — dismissed Luus and Marizanne Kapp in consecutive overs, turning the game again.

From there, South Africa’s chase began to falter. Deepti Sharma returned with a magical spell, dismissing key batters including Dercksen, Wolvaardt, and Tryon. Her variation of pace and flight made scoring nearly impossible.