India's Maiden Women's World Cup Title Is A Lesson In Equal Recognition, Discipline

It was a surreal sight. Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian Women's National Cricket Team, caught the ball at a nail-biting moment, sharp at 12 a.m. on November 3. This catch became historic as the women in blue won their first-ever ICC Women's World Cup. After years of anticipation, endurance, and determination, India finally etched its name in history, burying the ghosts of past heartbreaks: the 2005 and 2017 finals.

India's historic world title

India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to win the World Cup 2025 title, marking not just a triumph on the pitch but in the hearts of millions of supporters. After setting a formidable target of 298 for 7 (the second-highest in the tournament’s history) India displayed remarkable composure, dismissing South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs to seal a commanding victory.

The entire nation erupted in celebration. The BCCI also announced a cash reward of ₹51 crore for the team. India's victory is a shining example of how equal recognition and fair pay can empower women athletes to new heights. However, on November 2, the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai witnessed a full house, with every cheer echoing years of resilience and dreams finally realised.

The ever-reliable Deepti Sharma finished as the tournament's highest wicket-taker, taking the well-deserved Player of the Tournament title. Shree Charani's precise bowling on a calm surface claimed another crucial wicket. Shafali Verma came in clutch with 87 off 84 balls, before taking two wickets to give India a decisive edge. She was named the Player of the Match.

While Smriti Mandhana's dismissal denied her a half-century, she capped off a record-breaking campaign - 434 runs at 54.25, the most by any Indian batter in Women's World Cup history, including a century and two fifties. Jemimah Rodrigues' stay was cut short in the 30th over when South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt pulled off a brilliant low catch.

Stunning Semi-finals

In the semi-finals on October 30, Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 127 as India defeated Australia by five wickets, taking India to the World Cup finals for the third time in history. India chased down a mammoth 339-run target with nine balls to spare, booking their place in the World Cup final for the third time.

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Australia put up a massive 338/8 on the board, led by Phoebe Litchfield’s fiery 119 off just 93 balls, with solid contributions from Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (51). India’s bowlers had a tough start, as pacer Kranti Gaud went for 49 runs in her first five overs before finally breaking through by removing captain Alyssa Healy for 5. Despite this breakthrough, the 155-run stand between Litchfield and Perry kept Australia in full control.

When India came out to chase, Australia struck early as Shafali Verma was dismissed for 10 off 4 balls by Kim Garth, leaving India at 13/1. Smriti Mandhana attempted to shift the momentum with a brisk 24 off 24 balls but nicked one to Healy behind the stumps, leaving India at 59/2 within nine overs. From there, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur took charge. Jemimah reached her fifty in 57 balls with eight boundaries, while Harmanpreet anchored the innings, completing her half-century in 65 deliveries. The partnership between the two proved pivotal, as their 167-run stand for the third wicket stabilised India’s chase.

Dropped on 82 and 106, Jemimah Rodrigues made the most of her fortune, showing great temperament to carry India over the line. She capitalised on those missed chances, leading India home with a blend of patience and confidence. Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 26 off 16 balls added valuable momentum, including two sixes that electrified the crowd. In the end, it was Amanjot Kaur’s boundary off Sophie Molineux that sealed the deal, sending India into the final and the home crowd into wild celebration. The victory marked a historic moment for India’s third appearance in the Women’s World Cup final, having previously reached in 2005 and 2017.

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