At the stroke of midnight on November 2, 2025, a dream decades in the making became reality for a billion Indians. The Indian women’s cricket team, led by the indomitable Harmanpreet Kaur, lifted their maiden ICC ODI World Cup trophy after a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai .
And in the stands, her face beaming with a smile of pure, unadulterated pride, was Nita Ambani, tricolour in hand. The image of the Reliance Foundation chairperson celebrating this historic win has instantly become iconic, capturing the collective joy of a nation that has waited so long for this moment .
India’s Women’s Cricket Team: A Historic World Cup Victory
This wasn’t just a win; it was a coronation. For years, the Indian women’s team had come agonizingly close to World Cup glory, leaving fans with a sense of heartbreak. But in 2025, everything changed. Their journey through the tournament was a masterclass in resilience and skill, culminating in a final performance that will be remembered for generations.
Star Performers Who Made History
The final was a showcase of Indian talent at its absolute best. At the top of the order, the fearless Shafali Verma played a blistering innings of 87 off just 78 balls, setting the platform for a formidable total of 298/7 . Her aggressive batting shattered the South African bowlers’ confidence right from the outset.
But the true architect of the victory was the ever-reliable Deepti Sharma. The all-rounder delivered a match-winning performance, contributing a crucial 58 with the bat and then ripping through the South African middle order with her crafty spin to claim key wickets . Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, and she also broke the record for the most wickets in a single Women’s World Cup edition .
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the Moga girl who once played cricket with boys in her neighbourhood, held the team together with her calm and strategic leadership. Lifting the trophy was the ultimate reward for her years of dedication and service to Indian cricket .
Nita Ambani’s Role and Emotional Tribute
As a key figure in Indian cricket administration and a passionate advocate for women’s sports, Nita Ambani’s presence at the final was a symbol of the growing support for the women’s game. Her emotional response to the victory resonated with every fan.
“At the stroke of midnight, our girls have won the first ever ICC World Championship. I think you have made the whole nation swell with pride,” she declared, her words echoing the sentiment of a jubilant country . Her elegant white attire, paired with the Indian flag she waved proudly, created a powerful visual that will be etched in cricketing history.
Final Match Scorecard at a Glance
| Team | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Women | 50 | 298 | 7 |
| South Africa Women | 45.3 | 246 | 10 |
South Africa’s chase, spearheaded by a fighting century from Laura Wolvaardt, was valiant but ultimately fell short against India’s determined bowling attack .
What This Victory Means for Indian Cricket
This historic win is far more than a trophy. It is a watershed moment for women’s sports in India. It provides a massive boost of inspiration for millions of young girls who now have a team of national heroes to look up to. The visibility and success of this team will undoubtedly lead to greater investment, better infrastructure, and a stronger domestic circuit for women’s cricket.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the chorus of congratulations, stating that this historic win will motivate future champions . The victory has united the nation in celebration and has firmly placed India’s women cricketers on the global pedestal they deserve.