Who won Women's ODI World Cup 2025 final? India beat South Africa by 52 runs to clinch maiden title

India’s women’s cricket team has created history by lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy.

In the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the Women in Blue defeated South Africa by 52 runs to script a golden chapter in Indian cricket.

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How did India’s innings unfold in the World Cup final?

After a brief rain delay that pushed the start by nearly two hours, India got off to a flying start. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana set the tone early and took on the bowlers fearlessly.

Shafali, recalled to the side for the knockout rounds, played the innings of her life, a brilliant 87 off 78 balls.

Smriti supported her beautifully and scored 45 runs before falling to Chloe Tryon. Together, the duo stitched a crucial century stand that gave India the momentum they needed.

Deepti Sharma then stepped up with a fluent 58 off 58 balls and kept the scoreboard ticking. Richa Ghosh’s late cameo, 34 runs from just 24 balls, helped India post an imposing total of 298 for 7 in their 50 overs.

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How did South Africa fare in their chase of 299?

Chasing 299 in a World Cup final was never going to be easy. South Africa’s openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, started steadily, adding valuable runs early on.

But India struck quickly. Amanjot Kaur’s sharp throw caught Brits short of her crease, and that triggered a collapse. Anneke Bosch fell soon after, trapped in front by young Sree Charani.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy brilliance came to the fore when she introduced part-timer Shafali Verma into the attack and the gamble worked instantly. Shafali dismissed both Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, swinging the momentum completely in India’s favour.

Despite Wolvaardt’s fighting effort, South Africa never quite recovered. In the end, South Africa were bowled out well short, handing India a historic 52-run victory.