IND W VS SA W FINAL

They say keep dreaming it until you live it. Keep manifesting, and India's women never stopped. Tonight, for the first time in their history, they stand as World Champions, proudly in front of the home crowd. The wait wasn't just long, it was defining. But now, with the trophy gleaming in their hands and joy spilling across the DY Patil, India have arrived. Not as challengers. Not as hopefuls. But as champions. The first taste of glory, and it's theirs forever. The Indian flag flies high as the players set off on their victory lap, soaking in the adulation. But spare a thought for South Africa, so close yet agonizingly distant. They played with heart, with courage, with everything they had, but tonight wasn't theirs. It was a fitting finale between two of the best sides of the tournament and was worth its billing. One team came off defending a 300+ score, and the other hunted down a historic 300+ target in their respective semis. Phew! That brings us to the end of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. We hope you enjoyed our coverage of this historic tournament as we sign off. It was a pleasure to have you all glued with us. Until next time, it is goodbye, only to meet again. Take care, cheers!

History is in her hands now. ICC President Jay Shah presents the World Cup trophy to Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur. She raises it triumphantly, her teammates swarm her in celebration, and fireworks explode across the Navi Mumbai sky. Truly a monumental moment in the history of women's cricket. Years of hard work, foundations laid by the legends who came before, all of it has led to this day, which has finally arrived.

And now comes the moment Indian fans and the team have been waiting for eagerly. The players step forward to receive their winners' medals, with Sree Charani leading the way. A cheer erupts for each player as they collect their medal one by one. Finally, the victorious captain of India Women, Harmanpreet Kaur, receives hers and walks up for a chat, beaming with a wide smile. She cannot even hear what Mel Jones' first question is, as the crowd is just cheering and making a lot of noise. She starts by acknowledging the fans and says they have been with them in all the ups and downs. She credits the entire squad, BCCI, the selectors, and everyone back home. Mentions that even though they lost three games, they always had the self-belief, and they knew they could do something special. Tells that she saw Shafali standing, and the way she batted, she knew it was her day. Further adds that she asked Shafali if she could bowl one over, and she was always ready for it, and credits her for being so positive. Reckons that they thought the total was enough, as this was a completely different wicket from the semifinal, but also praises Laura Wolvaardt for her knock. Says that South Africa just panicked a bit in the end, and they pounced at that moment. Adds that, in the last couple of years, Amol Muzumdar has always said to come up with something special and be prepared for the big occasions. Tells they did not make many changes to the squad, which also helped them a lot. Says that this is just the start, they wanted to break the barrier, and with a lot of big tournaments coming, they just want to keep improving and keep winning.

It’s time for the South African players to step forward and collect their runners-up medals. Anneke Bosch is the first to receive hers, with the rest of the squad following in turn. And now, let's hear from the South African captain, Laura Wolvaardt, who walks up to chat with Mel Jones. She says that she couldn't be prouder of this team, and adds that they played some brilliant cricket. Admits it is unfortunate to end up on the losing side, but mentions that they will definitely grow from this as a group. Also humbly admits that they were either too good or really bad, but mostly they were good. Shares that she probably didn't have the best year leading into this World Cup, and also didn't have a great start in the tournament. Wolvaardt says they had hoped for more movement early on. However, she feels proud of how the bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. She then praises Shafali Verma’s aggressive batting, noting how dangerous she can be when she gets settled. On Marizanne Kapp, Laura calls her a phenomenal player over the years, and reveals that the team was especially motivated to win this one for her, as it’s likely her last. Adds that Kapp has been a huge figure for South African cricket and ends by saying that she is two players in one, and that they are very lucky to have her in the side.

Former India captain Mithali Raj now brings the glittering trophy and places it gently on the podium. The match officials have now been invited to step forward and receive their mementos.

Deepti Sharma is the PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT for picking up 22 wickets and scoring 215 runs in this World Cup. Deepti says it still feels like a dream and that the feeling hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Adds that it feels special to contribute in a World Cup final, and she mentions that they as a team always looked to take learnings from every game. Shares that she loves challenges and is happy to have gotten the opportunity to deliver with both bat and ball on such a big stage. Further says that the talk during breaks was to remain calm throughout. Mentions that she is grateful for the tremendous crowd support and that it wouldn’t have been possible without them. Feels that a lot has changed in terms of women's cricket since 2017, but hopes that they get to play more games. Ends by dedicating the trophy to her mother and father.

India's Shafali Verma is the PLAYER OF THE FINAL for her amazing 87 with the bat and a couple of wickets with the ball. Mentions that she said at the start that God had sent her to do something special. Adds that it was difficult to come in just to play the knockouts, but she was confident in herself and credits her family, friends, and teammates who supported her. Mentions that all she wanted to do was score runs in this game and was very clear in her mind about her game. Says that senior players just told her to play her natural game and with freedom. Tells that seeing her idol, Sachin Tendulkar, gave her a big boost, and says that he has kept in touch with her to help her improve her game, and it was just inspirational for her.

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Earlier in the game, after a delay of a couple of hours due to rain, South Africa won the toss and sent India in to bat. India came out with intent - Shafali Verma, riding her luck after being dropped on 56, tore into the attack alongside Smriti Mandhana as the pair piled on 104 for the opening wicket. Verma blazed her way to a blistering 87 before the Proteas finally cracked the code. They smartly dialled back the pace and hit their spots on a sluggish surface, throttling India's momentum in the middle overs and snapping every blossoming partnership and forcing them to rebuild again. Ayabonga Khaka was clinical with her variations, ripping through with a 3-wicket haul, while Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nadine De Klerk kept things tight. But India refused to fold. Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma counter-punched in the death overs to drag their side to a competitive 298.

Though Annerie Dercksen provided crucial support to Wolvaardt with a vital 61-run partnership, once Laura Wolvaardt fell to Deepti Sharma, South Africa's chase unraveled. Despite some fielding lapses and wayward bowling, and with Nadine De Klerk fighting valiantly, Deepti Sharma rose magnificently when it mattered most, claiming a magnificent five-wicket haul to propel India where they had never been before, to the summit of world cricket.

In ODI cricket, partnerships are the bedrock of dominance. Sune Luus tried to provide stability in a 52-run alliance for the third wicket, but Shafali Verma's golden arm shattered that growing partnership. She then struck again immediately, removing the experienced Kapp as well in a devastating double blow that saw the Proteas crumble from 114/2 to 123/4. A string of quiet overs followed, cranking up the pressure significantly on South Africa as they could only add 37 runs in that 21-30 overs phase, with the entire chase resting on Wolvaardt's shoulders, who went on to score back-to-back centuries.

Wolvaardt batted resolutely to hold the innings together, consistently piercing the field, but South Africa slipped to 62/2 once Sree Charani made her impact instantly. That breakthrough forced a period of reconstruction against tight bowling. Yet Wolvaardt, operating with singular focus, batted brilliantly and denied India any sustained pressure, ensuring boundaries arrived every over or two.

South Africa were hunting down an unprecedented chase - 299, a World Cup final record that had never been breached. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits played it safe initially, but once they got their rhythm, the boundaries started flowing. India's bowlers weren't serving up freebies, but every half-chance was punished ruthlessly. The partnership was building ominously until Brits' run out gave India the opening they desperately needed, with South Africa posting 52/1 after the Powerplay.

India's head coach, Amol Muzumdar, is up next. Shares that he is proud of the girls and the win has not sunk in yet. Mentions that it is an unbelievable achievement. Tells that the girls deserve every bit of credit and everything that will follow from here. States that the team has worked extremely hard for this and he believes that this is a watershed moment for Indian cricket.

India's star batter, Smriti Mandhana, now has a chat with Jatin Sapru, and she cannot hide her emotions. She says that he does not know how to react to this moment. Adds that every World Cup they have played, it has ended in heartbreak, but the kind of support they got here was just different, and it was special. Mentions that the 2024 T20 World Cup was a tough one for them, but they worked hard to improve. End by saying that, they played for one another, whether it was good days or bad days, they just kept going.

Pratika Rawal is up next, draped in the Tricolour whilst being in a wheelchair. Says that she has no words to express. Shares that the flag on the shoulder means everything to her. Tells that being here is just surreal. Adds that injuries are part and parcel of the game. Mentions that she is happy to be a part of the team and the whole of India deserves this win.

Richa Ghosh is the next one and shares a few words. She says this win means a lot to them. Adds that she cannot express it in words and the plan was to give everything out on the field. Mentions that they talked about putting their bodies on the line for each and every run. Says that the pressure of a final is always there but she is glad that she could perform and says the backing of everyone was the motivation.

It is time to hear from the Indian players now. Amanjot Kaur is the first one up for a chat, beaming with pride. She shares that everyone knew how important Laura Wolvaardt's catch was and she is glad that she was able to hold on. Mentions that she does not have words to express. Adds that this win means a lot and believes that this is just the start. Feels that Indian cricket is going to achieve greater heights. Tells that her family could not be present here as her grandmother is not doing well. Further says that this win is for everyone who supported the team.

From dusty maidans to the grandest stage, India’s daughters have turned a page. No longer chasing, tonight they lead. A tale of sacrifice, grit, of fire, of speed. The Tricolour flaps proudly in twilight’s gleam, A billion hearts live the dream. History bows to a team so bold, the World Cup is theirs, etched in gold. A truly historic moment in Navi Mumbai, and this will serve as inspiration for generations of girls who will one day represent their country on this stage. The DY Patil Stadium erupts as the Indian players charge across the field, tears flowing freely, smiles stretching wide, joy and relief pouring out in equal measure. They tried in 2005, came close, but couldn't finish. They pushed harder in 2017, fell short again, but rose once more, fought through the years of heartache, and have finally, gloriously, claimed the crown. Tough luck, South Africa. They were nearly flawless throughout their World Cup campaign, barring two lapses, but will have to wait for another opportunity to claim their maiden title.