November 2, 2025

Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium witnessed cricket magic as India laid down a whopping 299-run target in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 against South Africa. The day had drama with rains causing delays, but once the play started, India’s batters dazzled under overcast skies. After South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first, India’s openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, kicked off with a blazing 100-run partnership, the biggest opening stand India has ever made against South Africa in a Women’s World Cup! Mandhana, graceful and accurate, scored 45 runs before caught by keeper Sinalo Jafta off Chloe Tryon’s bowling. She also smashed records by becoming India’s highest run-scorer in a single World Cup, beating Mithali Raj’s 2017 record. Shafali Verma was the star of the show, playing a powerful 87-run innings filled with crisp cover drives and a thunderous six before being dismissed by Ayabonga Khaka. The crowd was thrilled even when Shafali went down with cramps briefly—she bounced back with fierce determination! Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with 24 runs but was soon out to Khaka too. Then captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma steadied the ship. Harmanpreet scored 20 but got dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba, while Deepti Sharma shone bright with a valiant 58 runs off 58 balls, including 3 fours and a six, before run out in a tight play. Richa Ghosh added a thrilling 34 runs, peppered with 3 fours and 2 sixes, boosting India’s total to a mammoth 298 for 7 after 50 overs. The Indian bowlers, led well by Renuka Singh Thakur, then prepared to take on South Africa’s chase under the floodlights. South Africa’s openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits faced a mountain to climb – a target of 299. The pitch looked good for batting, but early wickets could turn the game India’s way. Fans were treated to incredible shots like Richa’s smart reverse hit and Deepti’s classy boundaries. The stadium buzzed with excitement as records were smashed and heart-pounding moments unfolded. Both teams showed mental grit with South Africa fighting back with wickets while India pushed to finish strong. The final also saw thrilling catches, huge sixes, and nail-biting moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Before this grand finale, both teams had tough journeys: India faced ups and downs but reached the final with a historic win over New Zealand; South Africa bounced back after early losses to storm into the final with some powerful performances, including Laura Wolvaardt’s classy 169-run semifinal knock. This final was special – a first without traditional giants Australia or England and showcased amazing talents like Harmanpreet Kaur’s fearless captaincy and Shafali’s fiery comeback. With the crowd roaring and the sky a perfect cricket canvas, the final promised a cricket carnival like no other in Women’s World Cup history! No doubt, this epic battle at DY Patil Stadium was a feast of cricket thrills, smashing records, powerful strokes, and unforgettable moments for cricket lovers across India and the world.

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Tags: India women, South Africa Women, Women's world cup 2025, Deepti Sharma, Shafali verma, Icc Women's Odi,