November 3, 2025
NEW DELHI – India vs South Africa final: Indian women’s cricket team scripted a memorable victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup final defeating South Africa on Sunday.
Recalled to the Indian squad as an injury replacement for the knockout stages, 21-year-old Shafali Verma made the most of her opportunity on the grandest stage. She produced the finest innings of her ODI career, scoring a career-best 87 to anchor a brilliant century partnership with opener Smriti Mandhana. Together, they gave India a flying start before Deepti Sharma’s composed 58 from 53 balls helped India reach a competitive total of 298 for six in 50 overs. Richa Ghosh also played a quickfire cameo of 34 from 24 balls.
The match itself got off to a delayed start. Persistent rain forced a two-hour wait, but the fans’ patience was rewarded with a spectacular opening display from Shafali and Smriti. India raced to 50 in just six overs with Shafali clearing the infield effortlessly and Smriti joining the assault to take the team to 104 inside 18 overs. The South African spinners briefly stemmed the flow of runs, but by then, the damage was done.
South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt turned to left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon for a breakthrough. Tryon struck gold, removing Mandhana for 45, but the atmosphere in the stadium was electric as Shafali continued to dominate. The youngster brought up her fifth ODI half-century, and her first since July 2022, off just 49 balls, delighting fans and ending her long scoring drought in style. Shafali’s innings ended at 87 from 78 balls, featuring seven crisp fours and two towering sixes, after a sharp catch by Sune Luus off Ayabonga Khaka’s bowling.
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Jemimah Rodrigues, India’s semifinal hero, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur then took charge trying to accelerate the scoring. Deepti Sharma’s powerful hitting including a massive six off Marizanne Kapp steadied the innings after India had lost quick wickets. Harmanpreet’s 20 and Richa Ghosh’s quick 34 ensured India crossed 298.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit the dew and rain conditions. The weather threatened to cut short the contest, but India managed a full 50-over innings. Both teams stuck to their unchanged line-ups, while the stands filled with cricket legends, ICC officials, and celebrities, including playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan, who entertained the crowd with a lively medley during the mid-innings break.
Chasing 299, South Africa started cautiously. Laura Wolvaardt, who had scored an unbeaten 169 in the semifinal, led from the front. She partnered well with Tazmin Brits. India struck early breakthroughs thanks to a brilliant direct-hit from Amanjot Kaur at mid-on to remove Brits, followed by Sree Charani’s LBW of Anneke Bosch.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s tactical brilliance shone through as she handed the ball to part-time bowler Shafali. The youngster struck immediately, taking the key wickets of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, turning the match in India’s favour. India’s fielding and strategic bowling kept South Africa under constant pressure ensuring that Laura couldn’t take complete charge.
The final will go down in history not just for India’s comprehensive win, but also for the individual brilliance of Shafali Verma. She ended her long wait for a fifty in style.
A day of history, heroics, and unforgettable cricket! India’s women are World Cup champions.