The India women's cricket team has earned a nomination for the Laureus World Team of the Year 2026, following their historic victory in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. This marks a significant achievement as they join other prominent global teams in the running for the award. The nomination highlights their first-ever World Cup title win against South Africa.
The India women's cricket team has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Team of the Year 2026, a recognition of their groundbreaking success in women's cricket. This nomination comes after they clinched their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title in 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
The match faced a brief rain delay, postponing the start by nearly two hours. India began strongly with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana laying a solid foundation. Verma delivered a standout performance, scoring 87 runs off 78 balls, while Mandhana contributed 45 runs before her dismissal. Their century partnership provided crucial momentum. Deepti Sharma followed with 58 runs off 58 balls, and Richa Ghosh added a quick 34 runs from 24 balls, helping India reach 298 for 7 in 50 overs.
South Africa struggled in their chase of 299, unable to build on Laura Wolvaardt's effort, and were eventually bowled out short of the target, securing India's victory.
BCCI president Mithun Manhas expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “This nomination is a matter of immense pride for Indian Cricket. Our women’s team has demonstrated extraordinary skill, character and consistency, culminating in a historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup victory in 2025. To be recognised alongside some of the most celebrated teams in global sport underscores their hard work and the growing stature of women’s cricket in India. We wish the team every success at the Laureus Awards and are confident that their achievements have made a compelling case on the world stage.”
Other nominees include Paris Saint-Germain in football from France, McLaren Formula 1 Team from the UK, the European Ryder Cup Team in golf, England Women’s Football Team from the UK, and Oklahoma City Thunder in basketball from the USA.
