Welcome to A Bright Time. Breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings, the Indian women’s cricket team has finally done what generations have dreamed of—lifted the coveted ICC Women’s World Cup trophy. In a night that will forever be etched in the annals of Indian sporting history, Harmanpreet Kaur’s fearless warriors defeated South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2, 2025, ending two decades of heartbreak and near-misses. The victory wasn’t just about cricket; it was about redemption, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined this team’s incredible journey.indiatoday+2​

Historic Victory Ends India’s Long Wait

India’s triumph at the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup marks the first-ever World Cup title in women’s cricket for the nation, a moment that had eluded even the most talented squads of the past. Put into bat after South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl, the hosts posted a formidable 298 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs, with explosive contributions from Shafali Verma (87 off 78 balls) and the ever-reliable Deepti Sharma (58 runs). While 350 seemed achievable at one stage, the Indian middle order consolidated brilliantly, with Richa Ghosh providing a late surge with a quickfire 34 off just 24 balls to push the total close to 300.espncricinfo+4​

Chasing 299, South Africa made a solid start and appeared well-positioned at 209 for 5, but Deepti Sharma’s magical spell of off-spin bowling turned the match on its head. The all-rounder dismantled the South African lower order with devastating precision, finishing with career-best figures of 5 for 39. Shafali Verma, who had already dazzled with the bat, chipped in with two crucial wickets—those of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp—to seal the deal. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt fought valiantly with a magnificent century (101 runs), but wickets tumbled regularly at the other end, and the Proteas were eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.5 overs.icc-cricket+3​

The scenes that followed were nothing short of pandemonium, as the entire DY Patil Stadium erupted in celebration. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, running backwards to take the final catch of Nadine de Klerk, spread her arms like the wings of an airplane and took off on a celebratory run—a moment reminiscent of Kapil Dev’s iconic catch in the 1983 men’s World Cup final.news18+2​

The Architects of Glory: Shafali and Deepti

The architects of this historic triumph were not necessarily the names on everyone’s lips at the start of the tournament. Shafali Verma, the dynamic opening batter, wasn’t even part of the original squad for the World Cup; she was called up as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal ahead of the semifinal against Australia. Yet, in the final, everything she touched turned to gold. Her explosive 87 off 78 balls was the highest score by an Indian batter in a Women’s World Cup final, surpassing Punam Raut’s 86 in the heartbreaking 2017 final against England.thebridge+3​

Shafali’s journey to redemption was as inspiring as it was unexpected. The 21-year-old had been written off by many after being left out of the initial squad, but she returned with a vengeance, delivering a performance for the ages on the sport’s biggest stage. Speaking ahead of the semifinal, Shafali had said, “I believe God has sent me here to do something good. If I get to play, I will give my best”. She certainly lived up to her promise, earning the Player of the Final award for her stellar all-round display.sports.ndtv+1​

Deepti Sharma, on the other hand, has been the silent warrior of Indian cricket for years—a player who has often been underappreciated despite her consistent performances. In the final, she proved her mettle once again, contributing both with the bat and ball. Her run-a-ball 58 provided the platform for India’s competitive total, and her five-wicket haul in the second innings was the match-defining spell that broke South Africa’s resistance. It was a masterclass in off-spin bowling under pressure, and Deepti’s name will forever be synonymous with this historic victory.espncricinfo+2​

Who Won the Women’s World Cup in Cricket in 2025?

India won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 2, 2025. This was India’s first-ever World Cup title in women’s cricket, ending a wait that spanned multiple generations and several heartbreaking near-misses. The victory was built on the back of brilliant performances from Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the team with courage and conviction throughout the tournament.hindustantimes+4​

The triumph was particularly sweet for India, as they had come agonizingly close to glory in the past—most notably in 2005 and 2017—but had faltered at the final hurdle. This time, however, there would be no heartbreak. The team that had lost three consecutive matches in the league stage rallied magnificently, winning knockout games against Australia in the semifinal and South Africa in the final to claim the crown.timesofindia.indiatimes+3​

Is Mithali Raj in World Cup 2017?

Yes, Mithali Raj was not only part of the 2017 Women’s World Cup squad but also served as the captain of the Indian team that reached the final. The legendary batter, alongside veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami, was one of only two players in the 2017 squad who had also played in the 2005 World Cup final. For Mithali and Jhulan, the 2017 final at Lord’s represented a second chance at glory, and the duo played pivotal roles in getting India to the summit clash.cricket+4​

India faced hosts England in the 2017 final on July 23 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Chasing England’s total of 228 for 7, India came heartbreakingly close, with opener Punam Raut scoring 86 and Harmanpreet Kaur contributing 51 runs. At one stage, India were cruising at 191 for 3 in the 43rd over, needing just 38 runs off 43 balls. However, a catastrophic batting collapse saw them lose their last seven wickets for just 28 runs, eventually being bowled out for 219 in 48.4 overs. England won the match by nine runs, with seamer Anya Shrubsole claiming six wickets for 46 runs, including five wickets in the final spell.sports.ndtv+4​

Despite the loss, Mithali Raj remained proud of her team’s effort, stating, “I’m proud of the team. We panicked and that led to our defeat, but the girls didn’t make any match look easy for the other team”. The 2017 final was a turning point for Indian women’s cricket, elevating its profile and inspiring a new generation of players. Mithali, who witnessed India’s 2025 triumph from the stands, described it as the fulfillment of a dream she had chased for over two decades.sports.ndtv+2​

Who is Harmanpreet Kaur?

Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar, born on March 8, 1989, is an Indian cricketer who serves as the captain of the India women’s national team in all formats. A top-order batter and right-arm off-spin bowler, Harmanpreet has been one of the most influential figures in Indian women’s cricket for over a decade. Under her leadership, India won the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, the Women’s Asia Cup in 2016 and 2022, and the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.indianexpress+3​

Harmanpreet’s journey to greatness began in the small town of Moga in Punjab, where she played cricket with boys, tying her dupatta around her waist to run freely. Her breakthrough moment came during the 2017 ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia in Derby, England, where she produced an epochal, unbeaten 171 runs off 115 balls to crush the defending champions and propel India into the final. That innings remains one of the most iconic performances in women’s cricket history and established Harmanpreet as a global star.wikipedia+2​

In the 2025 World Cup, Harmanpreet once again rose to the occasion when it mattered most. After India lost three consecutive league-stage matches, the skipper led a remarkable comeback, inspiring her team to wins in the knockout stages. In the semifinal against Australia, she battled cramps and pressure to score a fearless 89 off 88 balls, setting up India’s stunning victory. Her leadership throughout the tournament was marked by calm composure and motivational presence, transforming a nervous breakdown into an inspiring comeback.newsx+3​

Beyond her on-field exploits, Harmanpreet has been a trailblazer for women’s cricket globally. In 2016, she became the first Indian woman to be signed by an overseas T20 franchise when she joined Sydney Thunder in the Australian Women’s Big Bash League. She also captains Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League, leading them to titles in 2023 and 2025. In recognition of her contributions, Harmanpreet was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2017, named as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 2023 (the first Indian woman to achieve this honor), and featured in Time 100 Next and BBC’s 100 Women in the same year.wikipedia​

A Journey of Redemption and Resilience

The road to World Cup glory was far from smooth for this Indian team. After starting the tournament with high hopes, India suffered three consecutive league-stage defeats, prompting widespread criticism and raising doubts about their ability to compete. Critics sharpened their knives, and the pressure mounted on Harmanpreet and her squad. However, the team refused to buckle under the weight of expectation, rallying together to produce one of the most remarkable comebacks in World Cup history.thebridge+1​

The semifinal against Australia was a turning point. Harmanpreet’s gritty 89, played while battling cramps, powered India to a stunning victory and sent a message to the cricketing world: this team was not ready to go home without a fight. In the final, the same spirit shone through as India overcame a resilient South African side to claim the ultimate prize.indianexpress+3​

The victory was also a tribute to the legends who had come before. Mithali Raj, who had led India in the heartbreaking 2017 final, was present at the stadium to witness the triumph, and the players handed the trophy to her in a touching gesture. “I’ve seen this dream for over two decades, to watch the Indian women lift that World Cup trophy. Tonight, that dream finally came true,” Mithali wrote on social media. Her words captured the emotions of an entire nation that had waited patiently for this moment.news18​

The Impact of the Victory

India’s World Cup triumph has far-reaching implications for women’s cricket in the country. The victory is expected to inspire millions of young girls to pick up a bat and dream of representing their nation on the world stage. It also validates the investments made in women’s cricket infrastructure, coaching, and development programs over the past decade.newsx+3​

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate the team, applauding their historic achievement and hailing them as national heroes. Social media erupted with celebrations, as fans across India and around the world shared their joy and pride in the team’s accomplishment. The DY Patil Stadium, packed to capacity with passionate supporters, became the epicenter of a cricketing revolution that will resonate for years to come.newsx+2​

For Harmanpreet Kaur, the victory was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. Speaking after the match, the skipper admitted she felt “numb” after finally tasting World Cup success at her fifth attempt. “It’s a dream come true for all of us. We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and I’m just grateful to the entire team and the support staff for believing in us,” she said.icc-cricket+2​

India’s maiden Women’s World Cup title is more than just a sporting achievement; it is a symbol of progress, empowerment, and the limitless potential of women in sports. As the players celebrated with the trophy held high, they knew they had not just won a championship—they had won the hearts of a billion people and secured their place in history as the champions of the world.