India defeated South Africa to become world champions
Today will forever be etched in golden letters in Indian sports history. The Indian women’s cricket team defeated South Africa to win the 2025 Cricket World Cup. This victory is not just a trophy, but a symbol of the indomitable spirit, determination, and struggle that have, over the years, given Indian women’s sports identities. This moment is one of pride, excitement, and inspiration for every Indian—because it’s not just a victory on the field, but also a victory of the mind.
This glorious chapter in Indian women’s cricket is the culmination of a long journey that began amid struggle, limited resources, and social barriers. There was a time when women’s cricket wasn’t taken seriously, with neither spectators nor sponsors. But times changed, and these girls, through their play, dedication, and talent, demonstrated to the world that the playing field isn’t the exclusive domain of one gender. Today, as India wins the World Cup and reigns supreme, this victory speaks for every girl who has placed her dreams above societal constraints.
The Indian team performed brilliantly in this thrilling World Cup final. After winning the toss and batting first, India scored 298 runs in 50 overs. Shefali Verma and Smriti Mandhana opened the innings. Smriti provided a solid foundation for the team with a composed but crucial 45, while Shefali Verma played aggressively, scoring 87 runs in 78 balls. Her innings was peppered with fours and sixes. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed early, but young batsman Richa Ghosh played a crucial 34 runs, once again providing stability to the team. In the middle order, Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana batted with restraint, taking the team to a respectable score of around 300.
Chasing the target, South Africa got off to a brisk start in the opening overs, but the Indian bowlers soon took control. Renuka Thakur and Deepti Sharma kept the opposition batsmen at bay, bowling with precise line and length. Shafali Verma also performed brilliantly with the ball – taking two crucial wickets for just 36 runs in seven overs. Her all-round performance proved to be the backbone of India’s victory. As the match progressed, the pressure on South Africa increased, and ultimately, the Indian team made history with a win. Shafali Verma was named “Player of the Match” for her stellar performance, while Deepti Sharma was awarded “Player of the Tournament” for her outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
This victory isn’t just a triumph in a sporting event, but rather a symbol of the mindset shift underway in India regarding the status and attitudes toward women. The daughters who were once told that “sports aren’t for girls” are now world champions. This victory sends a message to society that, given the opportunity, Indian women are no less than men in any field. Today, these athletes aren’t just playing, but paving a new path for generations to come.
This glorious performance by the Indian women’s cricket team is the culmination of years of hard work. The Women’s IPL (WPL) gave the players both a platform and confidence. Players from smaller towns and cities, such as Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, and Renuka Thakur, have demonstrated that talent knows no boundaries. These players have written a new story of inspiration not only on the field but in every home across the country.
The policy changes made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Sports Ministry regarding women’s cricket over the past few years have laid the foundation for this success. The equal pay policy has given players self-respect, while improved coaching facilities and domestic tournaments have prepared them for international competition. It is heartening to see that women’s cricket is now receiving the same respect and broadcasting as the men’s team. This victory is another strong step in that direction.
With this victory, India now faces a new responsibility. We must ensure that this enthusiasm and support are not limited to a few days. Sports must be integrated into education from school to university levels, so that more girls are inspired to pursue careers in sports. The Sports Ministry and state governments should increase the number of sports training centers in rural areas, where both resources and instructors are available.
The media also plays a major role. Continuing to highlight women’s cricket, the players’ stories, and reinforcing the sense in society that it’s not just a sport but a tool for empowerment—this is the biggest responsibility in the times ahead.
There are many untold stories behind the Indian women’s cricket team’s victory—the mother who buys a bat for her daughter regardless of society, the father who sells his farm to buy cricket kits, the coach who trains the players without pay, and the teammates who stand by the team despite being in the reserves. This victory is not just about the 11 players on the field, but about thousands of dreams that have been waiting for this moment for years.
India’s victorious women’s cricket team included Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chhetri, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Shri Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, and Kranti Gaur. Reserve players Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Minnu Mani, and Sayali Satghare also made significant contributions. Although they didn’t take the field, their role in the team’s preparation and unity was crucial.
This World Cup has given Indian women’s cricket a lasting recognition on the global stage. It is no longer the achievement of a single generation, but a guide for generations to come. India’s daughters are now a new example for the world—not just as athletes, but as symbols of the power that transforms even defeat into inspiration.
Today, when the whole world is saluting this achievement of the Indian team, this moment also forces us to think that the real victory will happen when some daughter in every village, every school, takes the bat and enters the field and says – “I also want to win like India.”
This historic victory has proven that “where there’s a will, there’s a way” is not just a saying, but a reality for India’s daughters. This victory is not just for these 11 players, but for all of India—for the families who gave their daughters the freedom to dream; for the coaches who nurtured talent despite limited resources; and for the spectators who cheered the team on with every ball.
The year 2025 will be marked as a golden year for Indian sports. India’s daughters are now writing not just history, but the future. Their victories are igniting pride, inspiration, and hope in the hearts of every Indian.
India is the world champion! Hail the women’s power!
