India Clinches Maiden ICC Women's World Cup 2025 Title
India won their first ICC Women's World Cup title in 2025 by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final. Despite facing three consecutive losses in the group stage, India bounced back with key victories, including a record chase against Australia in the semi-final. Star performers like Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues played crucial roles in the historic triumph.
The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 final held on November 2 saw India defeat South Africa by 52 runs to win their maiden Women's Cricket World Cup trophy. India's campaign began strongly with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan but was challenged by three consecutive defeats against South Africa, Australia, and England in the group stage. Crucial batting performances by Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal kept the team competitive, including a record opening partnership and highest World Cup total during their group matches. India secured a pivotal victory over New Zealand using the Duckworth-Lewis method to qualify for the semi-finals, despite losing Pratika Rawal to injury before the knockout stages. In the semi-final, India chased down a record 339 runs against seven-time champions Australia, led by a spectacular unbeaten 127 by Jemimah Rodrigues and 89 from captain Harmanpreet Kaur. In the final, strong batting from Shafali Verma (87) and Mandhana (45) set a target of 298 runs, which India’s bowlers defended successfully to win by 52 runs. The victory was celebrated nationwide, with Bollywood stars praising the team's historic achievement and the Indian Cricket Board awarding substantial cash prizes. This triumph marks a transformative moment for Indian women's cricket, ending decades-long waiting for a World Cup title and inspiring future generations.
