In the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 final, the Indian team defeated South Africa by 52 runs to claim their first title. At DY Patil Stadium, India scored 298/7 while South Africa were bowled out for 246. Stellar performances from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma helped India make history.
In the final played on November 2, 2025, at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. India got a strong start with a 100-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana (45 runs off 58 balls, 8 fours) and Shafali Verma (87 runs off 78 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes). Jemimah Rodrigues (24 runs) added 62 runs with Shafali, taking India to 166/2.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20 runs) and Deepti Sharma (58 runs off 58 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) put on 52 runs, while Richa Ghosh (34 runs off 24 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) provided the finishing touches. India reached 298/7 in 50 overs. Ayabonga Khaka took 3/58 for South Africa.
In the chase, South Africa started with Tazmin Brits (23 runs), but Shafali Verma (2/36) and Shree Charani reduced them to 148/5. Laura Wolvaardt (101 runs off 98 balls, 11 fours, 1 six) scored a century, but Deepti Sharma's 5/39 turned the game. A 61-run stand with Annerie Dercksen (37 runs) ended, and South Africa were all out for 246.
Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match, while Deepti Sharma was the Tournament's best player. Injured Pratika Rawal arrived on a wheelchair and said, 'This flag on my shoulder means a lot. Being here with my team feels unreal.' Harmanpreet Kaur touched Jay Shah's feet while receiving the trophy, but he refused. The BCCI announced a ₹51 crore reward for the team. Former captain Mithali Raj said, 'I am very happy and emotional that India has finally won the World Cup.'
