India Women have done it. They won the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup for the first time, and they did it in front of the home crowd after beating South Africa Women in the Final of the 2025 edition by 52 runs. While the cricket world is congratulating the Indian cricket team on its historic achievement, one of them is former Indian captain Virat Kohli, who has celebrated the successes of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and 2025, and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. 

India Women defended 298/7

On Sunday (November 2), the entire of India prayed and watched the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Final, where India Women faced South Africa Women at Navi Mumbai, as both teams had the same goal: to win their first ICC title. After South Africa Women skipper Laura Wolvaardt chose to field first in the two-hour delayed start due to rain, India Women scored 298/7 in 50 overs. In reply, South Africa Women were all out for 246 runs in 45.3 overs, as India Women created history by winning the Final by 52 runs. 

[WATCH] Amanjot Kaur’s stunning catch dismisses Laura Wolvaardt on 101 during Women’s World Cup 2025 final

Virat Kohli: The girls have created history

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli took the social media to congratulate the Indian Women's cricket team for creating history by winning the first-ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup trophy. 

 

 

 

 

 

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It is the Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, where the hosts India Women are facing South Africa Women, as both teams are dreaming of their first ICC trophy, and the Indian cricketer Shafali Verma has produced stunning performances. The player joined the team just before the knockout stages of the tournament as an injury replacement, and Shafali not only scored the highest runs for her team in the Final but also stunned everyone with two important wickets in her first two overs. 

After India Women were sent to bat first in the Final, the hosts scored 298/7 in 50 overs, where Shafali Verma recorded the highest score in her Women's ODI career by scoring a crucial 87 runs off 78 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Then she surprisingly shone with the ball in hand. 

Shafali Verma took two wickets in two overs

South Africa Women were going well as they completed 100 runs for the loss of two wickets with a healthy run rate. While the Indian bowlers were struggling to break the dangerous-looking partnership of Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur took a strange decision by giving the ball to Shafali Verma, who took only one WODI wicket after delivering 14 overs in this format. On her second ball of the match, Shafali broke that third wicket partnership, which added 50+ runs, as she brilliantly caught and bowled Sune Luus for 25 off 31 balls.

What a moment! 😍🤩👌🏻#HarmanpreetKaur introduced #ShafaliVerma into bowling & she gets the wicket of Luus! 🫡👏🏻#CWC25 Final 👉 #INDvSA, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/gGh9yFhTix pic.twitter.com/8rsuBlFd78

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 2, 2025

See Also: Smriti Mandhana creates new World Cup history for India Women during IND-W vs SA-W Final of Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Shafali dismissed dangerous Marizanne Kapp cheaply

In her very next over, Shafali dismissed dangerous Marizanne Kapp cheaply for four runs, as wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh took a great catch to bring that wicket. It was Shafali's two wickets in two overs, who previously celebrated with only one WODI wicket in her career. It was the game-changer for India Women, as South Africa Women suddenly found themselves under pressure from 114/2 to 123/4.  

Indian opener Shafali Verma has used her luck brilliantly as she scored her highest runs in Women's ODI career during the Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 against South Africa Women at Navi Mumbai on Sunday (November 2) night.

Shafali Verma replaced injured Pratika Rawal for the knockout stages

Shafali Verma has been added to the India Women's squad for the knockout stages of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, after the in-form opener Pratika Rawal was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury in their last league stage game against Bangladesh Women. More importantly, Verma wasn't selected in the original reserve squad for the tournament. 

While Verma was dismissed for 10 runs off six balls in the Semi-final against Australia Women, where India Women successfully chased the record-breaking 339-run target, she played an unforgettable knock in the Final. 

See Also: Smriti Mandhana creates new World Cup history for India Women during IND-W vs SA-W Final of Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Shafali Verma scored 87 runs off 78 balls

India Women were sent to bat first in the Final at a high-scoring Navi Mumbai, where the match started two hours after the scheduled time due to rain. The Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set a 104-run partnership for the first wicket. While Smriti was dismissed for 45 runs, Shafali played a strong knock, as she scored her fifth WODI half-century, which was her first WODI fifty in more than three years. She completed this memorable half-century in 49 balls, while the right-handed batter hit five fours and one six. 

While Shafali was dropped for 57 runs, as Anneke Bosch dropped the tough chance at deep mid-wicket, she played a magnificent knock of 87 off 78 balls before getting out in the 28th over. Shafali hit seven fours and two sixes to produce that memorable knock. 

It was Shafali Verma's highest score in the Women's ODI career. Her previous record was 71 not out against Sri Lanka Women during the 2022 Pallekele WODI. 

In the Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, where the hosts India Women are facing South Africa Women at Navi Mumbai, as both teams are looking for their first ICC title, the Indian opener Smriti Mandhana set a new record for her team in the history of the tournament. 

During the Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, India Women were sent to bat first. Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set a century partnership to set a great start for the hosts. They put up a 104-run partnership for the first wicket, where Smriti scored 45 runs off 58 balls before she was caught behind. In that innings, Smriti hit eight fours. 

With that 45-run knock, Smriti Mandhana set a new record for the most runs by an Indian in an edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The previous record was 409 runs by the skipper Mithali Raj in the 2017 edition, when India Women finished as the runners-up for the second time.

[WATCH] Siya Kolisi sends support to South Africa's Women’s team ahead of World Cup final vs India

Most runs by an Indian in an edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

• Smriti Mandhana - 434 runs in 2025
• Mithali Raj - 409 runs in 2017
• Punam Raut - 381 runs in 2017
• Harmanpreet Kaur - 359 runs in 2017
• Smriti Mandhana - 327 runs in 2022

India Women started Final strongly

The Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 started a two-hour delay due to rain, but it still became a 50-over game. In the first batting after losing the toss, India Women have got a great start with 151/1 in 25 overs. While Smriti scored 45 runs, Shafali Verma scored her first WODI half-century in more than three years. She even surpassed her previous highest WODI score to set a new WODI record for her, which came in the Final.  

India Women (IND-W) are set to take on South Africa Women (SA-W) in the final of the Women's World Cup 2025. India Women reached the final by beating Australia's 339 with nine balls remaining, which was one of the most dramatic chases in women's cricket history. Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 127 from 134 deliveries was a brilliant start to the chase, while Harmanpreet Kaur's innings was full of intent and control. 

On the other hand, South Africa's women have had an incredible World Cup run, recovering from heavy defeats at both ends of their group stage to win every match in between. A well-deserved spot in the final was secured by their 125-run victory over England in the semifinal.

Also Read: IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction 3rd T20I match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

IND-W vs SA-W Match Details

• Match: Final, ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

• Date: Sunday, 2nd November 2025

• Time: 3:00 PM IST

• Venue: Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

IND-W vs SA-W Weather Report

The forecast for Sunday afternoon in Navi Mumbai shows chances of thunderstorms with the average temperature expected to be around 28°C.

IND-W vs SA-W Pitch Report – Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy 

• Average 1st Innings Score: 275–290

• Chasing Teams: Won 60% of recent matches

• Best Suited: Batting 

IND-W vs SA-W Head-to-Head Record

Top Batters to Watch – IND-W vs SA-W

• Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W): 470 runs in this tournament

• Smriti Mandhana (IND-W): 389 runs in this tournament

• Jemimah Rodrigues (IND-W): 268 runs in this tournament

Top Bowlers to Watch – IND-W vs SA-W

• Deepti Sharma (IND-W): 17 wickets in this tournament

• Shree Charani (IND-W): 13 wickets in this tournament

• Marizanne Kapp (SA-W): 12 wickets in this tournament

IND-W vs SA-W Recent Form

IND-W vs SA-W Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1 – If India Women bat first

• Powerplay Score Prediction: 55–56 runs

• First Innings Total: 280–300 runs expected

• Result Prediction: Australia Women to win by 3 wickets 

Scenario 2 – If Australia Women bat first

• Powerplay Score Prediction: 60–75 runs

• First Innings Total: 300–320 runs expected

• Result Prediction: Australia Women to win by  40-60 runs

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes in IND-W vs SA-W?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours in IND-W vs SA-W?

IND-W vs SA-W Probable Playing XI

India Women (IND-W)

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur

South Africa Women (SA-W)

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

IND-W vs SA-W Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s Match?

We predict that India Women will win this ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 match. Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur will be key players to watch out for.

FAQs – IND-W vs AUS-W Today Match Prediction

A new winner of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup will be crowned soon. Both teams have several match-winners. As India look to create history at home in Navi Mumbai, Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa aim to go one step further and win their first ICC title. They want to end their streak of falling short in finals by defeating Harmanpreet Kaur’s team for the second time in this tournament.

Even though South Africa beat India in the league stage on October 9 in Vizag, India can still take confidence from their strong new-ball performance. They had reduced South Africa to 18/2 inside six overs and helped the spinners keep the Proteas down to 81/5.

Laura Wolvaardt watched from the non-striker’s end as Tazmin Brits (0), Sune Luus (5), Marizanne Kapp (20), and Anneke Bosch (1) got out early. But the South African captain found support in Chloe Tryon, adding 61 runs for a much-needed fightback that led to their eventual win.

Wolvaardt (470) is the top run-scorer of the tournament, while her opening partner Tazmin Brits has been inconsistent, failing to repeat her century performance against New Zealand in their second match.

Also Read -"It Was Something New for Me..": Abhishek Sharma Praises Australian Pacer After Intense Battle

Kranti Gaud’s Stunning Catch Turns the Game

Brits may consider herself a little unlucky with her dismissal against India in the league stage, though young star Kranti Gaud would disagree. Gaud forced a half-chance that turned into a brilliant one-handed return catch.

There are also some questions for South Africa, as key pacer Renuka Singh Thakur didn’t play in that earlier match.

Mandhana vs Kapp: The Battle of Experience and Class

The most successful wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history will take the new ball against the No.1-ranked ODI batter — a dream battle for fans at the stadium and millions watching at home.

Marizanne Kapp enters the final with confidence after breaking the tournament record for most wickets, previously held by Jhulan Goswami. Kapp’s 5/20 against England in the semi-final included three top-order wickets.

Smriti Mandhana, on the other hand, made a run-a-ball 24 against Australia in the semi-final. She has already scored two fifties and a century on India’s road to the final and has been dismissed in single digits only once — in the opener against Sri Lanka on September 30.

In ODIs, Mandhana and Kapp share mutual respect. Kapp has dismissed Mandhana only once in 116 balls, though the Indian opener’s strike rate against her is just 62.

Rodrigues and Deepti Eye Redemption

Jemimah Rodrigues, India’s 25-year-old middle-order star, has been the talk of world cricket since her unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final. But repeating that success in the final will be a new challenge.

Rodrigues will aim to make amends after being dismissed for a duck against South Africa in the group stage. A lot has changed in three weeks — Rodrigues was dropped, recalled, and fought hard to prove herself again. She may face a tough test from left-arm spinners Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba, especially as Tryon dismissed her earlier in the tournament.

Deepti Sharma also has a golden chance to finish as the top wicket-taker of the tournament. However, she faces her toughest test yet in the World Cup final.

Deepti took the early wicket of Anneke Bosch in the previous meeting but later conceded 54 runs for just one wicket. She is currently tied with Australian seamer Annabel Sutherland for the most wickets in the tournament.

De Klerk’s Firepower Could Decide the Final

Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 off 54 balls against India remains one of the tournament’s standout knocks. Her 13-boundary blitz helped South Africa pull off a stunning comeback win over the hosts.

With high scores expected in Navi Mumbai, de Klerk’s aggressive batting will again be crucial. However, India will have done their homework this time.

Harmanpreet Kaur and her team know that if South Africa builds a stronger start than last time, de Klerk’s big hitting could become a serious threat.

Sunidhi Chauhan, an Indian singing icon, will perform during the mid-innings show of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa on Sunday, November 2, at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The final is expected to be an unforgettable celebration of cricket and entertainment as one of the most versatile singers takes center stage.

The evening of cricketing glory will begin with Sunidhi Chauhan rendering the Indian national anthem, while Tarynn Bank from Cape Town will lend her voice to the South African anthem. At the mid-innings break, spectators will be treated to a laser spectacle, drone formations, and a 350-member mass-cast performance, all leading up to Chauhan’s high-energy concert.

Sunidhi will perform a medley of her popular songs, accompanied by 60 dancers and fireworks effects, designed by famous choreographer Sanjay Shetty. The performance aims to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans as India aims for glory on home soil.

Sunidhi’s Excitement Ahead of the Big Stage

Expressing her excitement, Sunidhi said she was honored to be part of such a historic event. “It’s an honor to be performing at the Women’s World Cup, and I am really looking forward to the big day. With India in the final and the stands packed with enthusiastic fans, I’m sure the atmosphere will be electric, and it will be a day all of us will remember for long,” she shared.

See Also: WATCH: Umpire cheating in broad daylight! Fielding team left stunned

At just 13 years old, Sunidhi burst onto the Indian music scene with her hit song Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi from Mast, marking the start of an extraordinary career. Over the years, she has sold over 50 million records worldwide, judged major reality shows like The Voice India and Indian Idol, and even opened for Coldplay in New York in 2015. Featured four times in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list, Sunidhi continues to be one of the most powerful voices in Indian music.

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana etched her name in cricket history on Thursday by breaking a long-standing world record during India’s third match of the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup against South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

Mandhana, who made 23 runs off 32 balls, surpassed Belinda Clark’s 28-year-old record for the most runs scored in a calendar year in Women’s ODIs. Clark had set the record back in 1997, scoring 970 runs in 14 innings. Mandhana’s tally now stands at 982 runs in 17 innings, averaging an impressive 57.76.

Despite the milestone, Mandhana’s innings on the day didn’t quite go as she would’ve hoped. She began solidly, forming a 55-run opening partnership with youngster Pratika Rawal after South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl. However, once the pair departed, India’s middle order faltered under tight South African bowling, losing key wickets in the middle overs.

The 29-year-old left-hander’s remarkable consistency over the past two years has firmly established her as one of the greatest modern-day batters in the format. In 2025 alone, Mandhana has four centuries and three half-centuries, with a highest score of 135. Interestingly, her tally of four centuries this year is the joint-second most in a calendar year, only behind South Africa’s Tazmin Britz, who has five centuries in 2025. Mandhana had also scored four centuries in 2024, which was the record before Britz surpassed it this season.

ALSO SEE: ICC Women's World Cup 2025: When 90s hit harder than 100s: Dhoni, Rahul & Richa’s unforgettable world cup knocks

Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Feat Highlights a Remarkable Year Despite World Cup Struggles

In her illustrious ODI career so far, Mandhana has accumulated 4,942 runs in 111 matches at an average of over 46, including 13 centuries, the most by any opener and the joint-second most by any player in women’s ODIs. She is now the fifth-highest run-scorer in the history of the format.

However, while her year-long consistency has been extraordinary, Mandhana’s form in the ongoing World Cup has been below her usual standards. She has struggled to convert starts into big scores, and her early dismissals have put additional pressure on the likes of Rawal and Harleen Deol. The slow starts have affected India’s scoring rate in the powerplay, allowing opponents to claw back into matches, as South Africa managed to do in Visakhapatnam, dismissing the top order cheaply after the 10-over mark.

Even so, breaking a record that stood unchallenged for nearly three decades is no small feat. With at least five matches left in India’s World Cup campaign, Mandhana now stands on the brink of becoming the first woman ever to cross 1,000 ODI runs in a single calendar year, a milestone that would further cement her legacy as one of the greatest batters of her generation.

Most Runs in a Calendar Year in Women’s ODIs

In Match 10 of the ICC Women’s  World Cup 2025, South Africa Women defeated India Women by three wickets with seven balls to spare at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, October 9. This victory allowed the Proteas to take their unbeaten record against India in the Women's World Cup to 3-0. It was also their second straight victory in this year’s tournament, while India suffered their first loss at home.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, India started off well, having scored 55 runs within the first 10 overs. Smriti Mandhana (23) and Pratika Rawal (37) were looking good initially, but after the loss of the first wicket, the middle order fell apart in a hurry. Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba were key wicket-takers to break India's momentum. Richa Ghosh batted fantastically to score 94 runs from 77 balls, scoring 11 fours and four sixes to guide India to 251. Tryon was South Africa's best bowler with figures of 3 for 32, while Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Tumi Sekhukhune also made valuable contributions with the wickets.

In pursuit of 252, South Africa started slowly and lost a couple of early wickets. But captain Laura Wolvaardt (70) calmed the innings through her measured batting. She established key partnerships with Chloe Tryon (49) and Nadine de Klerk, who played a brilliant innings to guide South Africa to victory. De Klerk’s unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls, filled with powerful shots, helped South Africa cross the line with a huge six in the final over. Despite losing, India remained on top of South Africa in the points table because of a superior net run rate. Below are the main reasons for the India Women defeat:

1. Lack of strong partnerships

India's batters could not build big partnerships after a good start. The middle order collapsed in quick succession and the team were floundering at 102 for 6. Although Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana added a partnership of 88 runs, by this point the earlier wickets did mean that India could not post a bigger total that would challenge South Africa.

See Also: Women's World Cup 2025 Match 11: NZ-W vs BAN-W head-to-head, stadium stats, predicted playing XIs & points table

2. Nadine de Klerk's stunning innings

Nadine de Klerk's fiery knock of 84* off 54 balls turned the game around. Her strength and composure throughout, particularly under pressure, enabled South Africa to amass the target with relative ease. Even though Indian bowlers were taking wickets at regular intervals, de Klerk’s composure and confidence took control of the match in the end.

3. Dropped catch that proved crucial

A catch dropped by Smriti Mandhana cost India dearly. She failed to take a crucial opportunity to get Chloe Tryon out, who went on to score 49 runs. It gave South Africa the opportunity to recover and pick up momentum, which ultimately contributed significantly towards their winning run-chase.

It was an exciting match in Visakhapatnam as South Africa Women beat India Women by three wickets in Match 10 of theICC Women's World Cup 2025 on October 9. India won the toss and decided to bat first. They scored a total of 251 runs, with Richa Ghosh playing a wonderful innings of 94 runs. But the middle order failed to capitalize on the beginning as Smriti Mandhana (23), Harmanpreet Kaur (9), and Jemimah Rodrigues (0) fell cheaply. Amanjot Kaur (13) and Sneh Rana (33) assisted India in scoring a fighting total. For South Africa, Chloe Tryon was the top bowler with three wickets, while Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, and Nonkululeko Mlaba picked up two each.

While chasing 252, South Africa had a tough start, but captain Laura Wolvaardt steadied the innings with a fine 70-run knock. Chloe Tryon added 49 runs before Nadine de Klerk played an outstanding match-winning innings. Her outstanding score of 84, from a mere 54 balls, saw South Africa over the line with a huge six in the last over. Sneh Rana and Kranti Gaud, each taking two wickets, did their best with the ball, but de Klerk's impressive hitting took South Africa to a thrilling win.

IND-W vs SA-W: Who Said What?

Nadine de Klerk (Player of the Match):

"I’m lost for words. Playing India at home is always tough, and to get us across the line feels great. When Chloe and I batted together, we talked about taking it deep and backing ourselves at the end. My power-hitting comes naturally; that’s my role, to finish games. It was a good wicket, and once I got in, I knew I could do it. We’ll take the confidence from this win and come back stronger against Bangladesh."

See Also: Women's World Cup 2025 Match 11: NZ-W vs BAN-W head-to-head, stadium stats, predicted playing XIs & points table

Harmanpreet Kaur (India Women Captain):

"Tough game. Both teams played really well. We collapsed while batting but still managed 251 on the board. Richa was outstanding once again, she always gives us hope. Our top order needs to take more responsibility and bat longer. We’ve been making the same mistakes in the last few matches, and we need to fix that before facing Australia. It’s a long tournament, and we’ll look to bounce back stronger."

Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Women Captain):

"That was incredible. I don't think I’ve seen something like that in my career. I’m still lost for words. Nadine was just special, she has been hitting like that in the nets, but the temperament she showed with the tail was amazing. Richa batted really well for India; we tried to go wide to her, but she played those brilliantly. Credit to our pace bowlers too, they did well to keep India around 250."