Women in blue live Chak De moment for real, win ICC Women’s World Cup

Mumbai: History was scripted when India won its first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title, igniting national pride across the country.

The historic moment unfolded at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai when Harmanpreet Kaur took the final catch high above her head to seal India’s victory.

The Indian women’s cricket team etched its name in history with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa in the final. Defending a total of 299, India bowled out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs. Deepti Sharma starred with a brilliant five-wicket haul, while Shafali Verma played a match-winning all-round performance—smashing 87 off 78 balls and claiming two crucial wickets.

Remarkably, Shafali Verma was not even in India’s plans just days before the knockout stage, but fate had other ideas. Deepti Sharma, named Player of the Tournament, dedicated her award to her parents and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support.

From Shafali Verma’s fearless batting in the final to Laura Wolvaardt’s world record, the tournament has showcased the depth of Women's cricket.

Speaking after the win, captain Harmanpreet Kaur revealed that she had followed her instincts in giving Shafali an over during South Africa’s chase. “When Laura and Sune were batting really well, I saw Shafali standing there, and something told me it was her day. She was already in great rhythm with the bat, and my heart said to trust her with the ball. I asked if she could bowl one over—she was ready and confident. That turned out to be the turning point,” Harmanpreet said.

Following the triumph, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a cash reward of ₹51 crore for the victorious Indian team. With this win, Team India finally overcame the heartbreaks of the 2005 and 2017 World Cup finals to clinch their maiden global title across both ODI and T20I formats.

President Droupadi Murmu hailed the achievement as a landmark moment in Indian sports. In a post on X, she wrote, “My heartiest congratulations to every member of the Indian women’s cricket team on winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025! They have created history by winning it for the first time. This watershed moment will elevate women’s cricket to new heights. I admire the way the girls have made India proud.”

First match in 1973 :

First played in 1973, the Women’s World Cup is the oldest global tournament in women’s sports. Over the past five decades, it has grown into a premier international event, attracting huge crowds and global viewership. Australia leads the winners’ list with seven titles, followed by England with four. New Zealand—champions in 2000—remains the only other team to have lifted the trophy.