The 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup ended in the most poetic way imaginable. Harmanpreet Kaur was placed at cover as Nadine de Klerk, South Africa’s last recognized batsman, played a lofty cover drive and attempted to clear the fielder inside the ring. Harmanpreet timed her dive to perfection, plucking the ball out of the air and completing the catch that sealed India’s first World Cup title. It felt like India had waited long enough for this moment of glory as Harman converted a half-chance into the decisive goal – one that ended the match and two decades of heartbreak for the women’s team.
Women’s World Cup Final: Highlights | Message | Scorecard
Twenty years after playing their first World Cup final, India finally brought the trophy home on November 2, 2025. Shafali Verma sensational 87 and Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul, India delivered when it mattered most to beat South Africa in front of a packed DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to clinch the title.
After collecting the trophy from ICC Chairman Jay Shah on the podium, Harmanpreet Kaur said the victory marked the beginning of a new era and promised that the team would strive to make winning a habit.
“This is the beginning. We wanted to break this barrier. And our next plan is to make it a habit. We have been waiting for this. Now this moment has come. So many great opportunities are coming and we want to keep improving. This is not the end, just the beginning,” said Harmanpreet Kaur.
‘THANK YOU THE CROWD’
Harmanpreet became only the third Indian captain after Kapil Dev in 1983 and MS Dhoni in 2011 to win the ODI World Cup. Many see India’s triumph on Sunday as a watershed moment, mirroring the iconic victory of the men’s team in 1983.
India were clinical in the final, maintaining their composure and discipline just days after an emotionally charged win over series champions Australia in the semi-final.
Struggling for words after the historic triumph, Harmanpreet thanked the fans in Navi Mumbai for their unwavering support over the past two weeks. Tickets for the final were sold out days in advance, leaving many fans disappointed after failing to get their hands on one – an unprecedented first for women’s cricket in India.
“I’m so thankful for this crowd; they’ve been really amazing. Thank you for being with us through all our ups and downs. We also talked about last game that the confidence was there even though we lost three games in a row. We knew we had something special to turn it around. They stayed positive, we knew what we had to do, everyone was so involved – they were there day and night – and this team deserves to be here
MASTERSTROKE SHAFALI
While Harmanpreet played a key hand in winning 87 matches in the semi-finals, she was at her tactical best in the title clash.
Her most decisive call came during South Africa’s chase of 299 when she bowled Shafali Verma. The 21-year-old, who had already lit up the 87 final, turned out to be a surprise with the ball. Shafali dismissed Sune Luus to break 62 runs and later removed dangerous all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, moving India’s pace in the direction.
Before the final, Shafali had bowled only 14 overs in her four-year ODI career. Still, Harmanpreet trusted her instincts – and her young opener repaid that faith in gold.
“When Laura and Sune were batting, they looked really good. I just saw Shafali standing there and the way she was batting, I knew it was our day. I thought I had to go with my gut. If my heart said, I have to give her at least one. And that was the turning point for us. When she came to the team, we talked to her that we might need a bowl, she would need me 3 bowl and 2- Credit to her, she was so positive and she was there for the team,” said Harmanpreet.
The celebrations continued well past midnight as Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana shared emotional moments with former captain Mithali Raj and former fast bowler Jhulan Goswami, who were both at the DY Patil Stadium to witness India’s biggest night.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
November 3, 2025
