June 25, 1983 — the day Kapil Dev changed the course of India’s men’s cricket history. Their first World Cup triumph at Lord’s not only brought the trophy home but transformed cricket into a national emotion and a multibillion-dollar industry.
On 2 November 2025, that history was rewritten by Harmanpreet Kaur and her team. Under her leadership, India clinched their first-ever Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in Sunday’s final to become the new world champions.
Batting first, India posted 298 for 7, while South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
One of the chief architects of this historic victory was Deepti Sharma, who delivered a sensational spell, taking five wickets — including the prized scalp of Laura Wolvaardt, the backbone of South Africa’s chase. Wolvaardt’s 101 had kept her side in the contest, but her dismissal at 220 triggered a collapse. After dominating with the bat, Shafali Verma chipped in with two wickets as well, earning her the Player of the Final award.
The final began two hours late due to rain, though no overs were lost. In their maiden World Cup final, South Africa’s captain opted to bowl first.
India’s innings was powered by Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 off 78 balls, complemented by strong contributions from Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh. Deepti scored 58 off 60 balls, hitting three boundaries and a six, while Richa smashed 34 off 24, including three fours and two sixes. Their 47-run stand off just 35 balls for the sixth wicket proved crucial.
Opening with Smriti Mandhana, Shafali set the stage with a 104-run partnership. Smriti was dismissed for 45, breaking the opening stand. Shafali fell at 166, caught by Kaka, just short of a well-deserved century.
Semifinal hero Jemimah Rodrigues looked poised for another long stay, but a sharp catch by captain Wolvaardt ended her innings at 24 in the 30th over. India then leaned on captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who added 52 runs with Deepti before losing momentum and being bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba for 20 in the 39th over.
Amanjot Kaur (12) and Deepti were unable to accelerate late in the innings. Amanjot fell to an excellent catch by Nadine de Klerk, after which Deepti and Richa counterattacked to push India to a competitive total.
For South Africa, Kaka was the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 58
