Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey
“Dear girls, you knocked the door twice, this time break it open,” read a sign in the crowd early in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Final.
And that’s what India did.
After many near misses over the years, India got over the line this time, beating South Africa by 52 runs to win their first ever Women’s Cricket World Cup title. Shafali Verma, who was brought into the squad due to Pratika Rawal’s injury, produced an inspired performance that will be remembered for many years to come.
“Of course, what happened with Pratika – as a sportsperson, seeing that doesn’t feel good. No one wants any player to go through such an injury. But I believe God has sent me here to do something good,” said Shafali earlier this week, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. It is incredible how things transpired, with Shafali, along with player of the tournament Deepti Sharma, producing fantastic all-round displays.
More partnerships prove crucial for India
Shafali and Smriti Mandhana (46) got India off to a strong start, combining for a 100-plus stand. It was a terrific partnership given the delayed start and presence of some movement following the rain. The Proteas then began to fight back in the middle, but India’s team spirit prevailed again as Deepti Sharma (58) and Richa Ghosh (34) ensured they reached a very competitive 298/7.
In response, the great Laura Wolvaardt led the way but crucially lacked support as South Africa lost too many regular wickets. At 209/5 in the 40th over, the Proteas were a genuine chance, but the fact their first seven partnerships read: 51, 11, 52, 9, 25, 61 and 11 proved costly. One big partnership could have got them over the line, and that could have been the opening stand as the 51-run partnership was cut short by an unnecessary run out.
Spare a thought for Wolvaardt. The classy opener deserved to be on the winning team. Her 98-ball 101 was her second-straight century following her classic against England, culminating in 571 runs in the tournament at an average of 71.37 with three fifties and two hundreds. However, with her in great form and a young South African team featuring in finals, their time could well be coming.
IND-W vs SA-W Twitter Reactions: India win first ever World Cup title after so many near misses
On most days, a performance of 58 (58) and 5/39 wins you the player of the match award. Deepti Sharma was simply outstanding, keeping things tight in the middle and picking up the crucial wicket of Annerie Dercksen as South Africa were gaining momentum. She soon took the wicket of Laura Wolvaardt courtesy of Amanjot Kaur’s juggling catch. From there, it was clear who he winning team would be.
Credit to Shafali as well, who also bowled superbly. “If my heart is saying I should give at least one over to her, I’m going to give her,” said Harmanpreet Kaur, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “And then I just asked her, ‘can you bowl one over?’ And she was so ready, and she’s always wanted to bowl for the team. I think that was a turning point for us.”
India’s win has sparked huge reactions on social media. India fans are thrilled, the neutrals were in awe of how far they – and the women’s game overall – has come in recent years. South Africa fans were heartbroken, but they can take heart from their efforts.
“This is a moment in time that will change the course of the women’s game,” wrote Harsha Bhogle on X (formerly Twitter). “What I like most about this India victory is that it wasn’t the superstars that won it. A knock from Shafali, a dig from Richa, some all round Deepti resilience. None are their headline acts. But such a core part of this team’s story. Fabulous. Here’s to the legacy,” wrote Isabelle Westbury.
Here are some of the reactions to an incredible game as India savour World Cup glory.
