The Indian women's cricket team achieved a dream at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium on Sunday, a moment awaited by millions of Indians. By defeating South Africa by 52 runs, they claimed the Women's Cricket World Cup for the first time, etching this victory not just in the annals of cricket but in the golden books of Indian sports history.
If June 25, 1983, became the hallmark of Indian men's cricket, then November 2, 2025, became the golden day for Indian women's cricket as Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's team realized the dream of becoming "World Champions."
Shefali Varma, at just 21 years old and not even considered a reserve a week before, produced a stellar display. First, by scoring a memorable 87 runs, and then by capturing two crucial wickets, Varma ensured South Africa's innings folded at 246. She also set a unique record - being the youngest player (male or female) to win the Player of the Match award in a World Cup semi-final or final at the age of 21 years and 279 days.
"God Sent Me to Do Well" - Shefali
After being named Player of the Match, Shefali said, "I stated early on that God sent me to do something good, and today it showed. I am extremely happy that we won; I can't express it in words." She credited her success to her calm confidence and the support from her parents, friends, and brother. Mentioning Sachin Tendulkar, she added, "Watching him has been incredibly inspiring. He is the master of cricket."
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Deepti Sharma: Player of the Tournament
With an incredible all-round performance in the finals (a century partnership, 58 runs, and five wickets for 39 runs), Deepti Sharma was chosen as the Player of the Tournament. Deepti remarked that it still feels like a dream, and she hasn't shaken off the feeling. She elaborated on her responsibilities and preparations, "I always enjoy, regardless of the department. I wanted to play according to the situation." As an all-rounder, her performance was a wonderful experience she dedicated to her mother and father.
Victory Was Extra Special for the Captain
This win was particularly special for Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who had endured the heartbreak of losing the finals eight years ago. As soon as she caught Nadine de Klerk at extra cover, Ian Bishop described it as a moment for "an inspiring generation."
The victory was also healing for head coach Amol Muzumdar, often dubbed the 'Nearly Man' in Indian cricket. For him, this global triumph with the national women's team mends old wounds. During the finals, Rohit Sharma, present at the stadium, hoped Harmanpreet would avoid the pain he faced in 2023. But history took a different turn this time, and Harman’s team wrote a story that will inspire generations.
