Shafali Verma took two wickets in the ICC Women’s World Cup final after she was surprisingly handed the ball by captain Harmanpreet Kaur (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqboola). The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 reached its grand finale at the Dr DY Patil Stadium where India and South Africa battled it out for cricket’s biggest prize. For the first time in history, South Africa appeared in the final of the Women’s World Cup, while India sought their first title after finishing as runners-up in 2005 and 2017. The current edition, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featured record attendance and high-quality cricket. From Shafali Verma’s fearless batting in the final to Laura Wolvaardt’s world record, the tournament showcased the depth of women’s cricket.
BCCI secretary Saikia explains how Jay Shah championed women’s cricket
Earlier in the semi-final, India created one of the most memorable chases in World Cup history when they smashed Australia’s total of 338 runs by five wickets in Navi Mumbai. Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s composed 89 took India to their third final.In the 2025 edition, India Women secured a sensational victory to become the first winners by 52 runs to lift their maiden crown. The Women’s World Cup was first played in 1973 and remains the oldest global tournament in women’s sport. Over five decades, it has grown into a global event with packed stadiums. Australia continue to dominate the winners’ list with seven titles, while England have won four. New Zealand, the 2000 champions, remain the only other side to have lifted the trophy.
List of Women’s ODI World Cup winners from 1973 to 2025
Year WinnerAway Winner1973EnglandAustraliaEngland1978AustraliaEnglandIndia1982AustraliaEnglandNew Zealand1988AustraliaEnglandAustralia1993EnglandNew ZealandEngland1997New ZealandIndia2000AustraliaNew Zealand205AustraliaNew ZealandEafricaNew Zealand205AustraliaNew Zealand ZealandAustralia2013AustraliaWest IndiesIndia2017EnglandIndiaEngland2022AustraliaEnglandNew Zealand2025IndiaSouth AfricaIndia/Sri Lanka
