India lifted their first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on Sunday, beating South Africa by 52 runs in the CWC25 final at Navi Mumbai after posting 298/7 and bowling the Proteas out for 246.
Shafali Verma set the tone with 87 at the top, sharing a 100-run opening stand with Smriti Mandhana (45). Deepti Sharma added a composed 58 as India recorded the second-highest total in a Women’s ODI World Cup final. South Africa clawed back late—Ayabonga Khaka led with 3/58—but India’s total proved plenty.
The chase swung several times. Laura Wolvaardt’s brilliant 101 put South Africa on track at 209/5, but then the innings fell apart. Deepti seized the moment with a game-breaking spell of 5/39, taking two wickets in one over including Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon to tip the final for good.
Key moments in the field also made a difference. Amanjot Kaur’s direct hit sent Tazmin Brits out after a rapid start. Sree Charani caught Anneke Bosch. And captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s selection to bowl Verma led to quick strikes against Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp. From there, India tightened the screws and closed out a landmark win.
Final: India 298/7 (Verma 87, Deepti 58; Khaka 3/58) beat South Africa 246 (Wolvaardt 101; Deepti 5/39) by 52 runs.
