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November 2, 2025, will be a date etched in the history books of Indian cricket, as Harmanpreet Kaur led India to their maiden World Cup title after a roller-coaster campaign that culminated in a fairytale ending, with the Women in Blue being crowned Champions on home soil. India defeated South Africa in a battle of nerves at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium, with Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma playing key roles with both bat and ball as the hosts sealed a 52-run win, as Laura Wolvaardt's valiant 98-ball 101 went in vain. Shafali Verma Inspires India's Big TotalEarlier, South African skipper Woolwardt won the toss and chose to bowl following a two-hour delay to the fixture due to heavy rains in Navi Mumbai. Indian opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma neutralised the overcast conditions with the second-highest 104-run opening partnership in a World Cup final. While Mandhana was dismissed after making 42 runs, Shafali made a dazzling knock of 87 off 77 balls to put India on course for a big total. Despite the middle order struggling to up the ante, the hosts managed a total of 298, which is the second-highest in a World Cup final. Deepti Sharma played a valuable knock of 58 runs in 58 balls, while Richa Ghosh played another impactful knock of 34 in as many balls. Shafali Continues Dream NightSouth Africa made a solid start with a 51-run partnership between the opening pair of Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Britz, who put up a 54-run stand before a stunning direct hit from Amanjot Kaur provided relief for India. The Proteas were hit with a double blow as Anneke Bosch departed for a six-ball duck with Shree Charani dismissing her. However, South Africa once again found itself in control, with Wolvaardt and Sune Luus putting up a 52-run stand. Indian captain Harmanpreet turned to Shafali, and the 21-year-old continued her dream out by dismissing Luus (25) and veteran star Marizanne Kapp (4). Later, Deepti turned the game on its head and put India on top with a five-wicket haul. Woolward made another ton following her century in the semi-final, with a knock of 101, but her solo effort was not enough as the Proteas' wait for a maiden global title extended as they lost their third final of a major tournament in a row. Scorecard: India: 298-7 (Shafali Verma - 87 of 78, Deepti Sharma - 58 of 58, Smriti Mandhana - 45 of 58, Richa Ghosh - 34 of 24) South Africa: 246-10 (Laura Wolvaardt - 101 of 98, Deepti Sharma - 5/39, Shafali Verma 2-36) Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket and around the world.
