First ICC World Cup glory finally arrived for the India Women’s Cricket Team as they defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 trophy. It was a historic night, not just for the players, but for every Indian who has witnessed the steady rise of women’s cricket in India over the past two decades.
Shafali Verma’s blazing 87 off 93 balls, supported by Smriti Mandhana’s elegant 45, set up India’s total of 298/7, while Richa Ghosh (58) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (37) added valuable middle-order runs. In reply, South Africa’s star batter Laura Wolvaardt fought hard with a brilliant 101, but Deepti Sharma’s match-winning 5 for 39 ended their hopes and powered India to an unforgettable maiden world title.
As fireworks exploded above the Mumbai skyline, the chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” captured the emotion of a nation witnessing history — India’s first ICC Women’s World Cup win.
A Dream 20 Years in the Making: India’s First ICC World Cup Triumph
For the India Women’s Cricket Team, this wasn’t just a victory — it was redemption. Having fallen short in the 2005 and 2017 World Cup finals, this was a moment long in the making. The journey from heartbreak to triumph symbolizes years of reform, resilience, and relentless self-belief.
Former captain Mithali Raj, who guided Indian women’s cricket for over two decades, summed up the moment perfectly in a heartfelt social media post:
“What happened last night is a testament to the fact that when you give wings to a dream, dreams do come true. The girls were brilliant, but one must acknowledge the support behind this watershed moment — four years of planning and belief.”
Her words reflected the evolution of women’s cricket in India — a movement driven by policy, opportunity, and sheer determination.
BCCI Reforms Behind India’s First ICC World Cup Win
Behind the glittering trophy lies years of planning and reform. Under BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, Indian women’s cricket underwent a transformation that laid the foundation for this moment.
Key changes included:
- Equal match fees for men and women — a landmark for gender parity in sports.
- The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), providing global exposure and financial independence to players.
- Strengthened domestic and India A structures, ensuring consistent competitive cricket.
- Better infrastructure, analytics, and coaching support across all levels.
These BCCI reforms didn’t just improve performance; they changed the mindset. Players like Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, and Renuka Singh Thakur honed their skills in the WPL, gaining the confidence and match toughness required to perform on the biggest stage.
This First ICC World Cup victory, therefore, isn’t just about one tournament — it’s the result of a system built on equality, professionalism, and vision.
Record Rewards for a Record Win
Celebrating the historic win, the BCCI announced a ₹51 crore prize pool for the champions — the biggest ever for Indian women cricketers. The ICC, too, raised the Women’s World Cup 2025 prize pool to USD 13.88 million, almost four times the 2017 edition.
These record figures underline how much the women’s game has grown. The First ICC World Cup win by India now stands as a beacon of how investment and faith in women’s cricket can yield global success.
Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma Steal the Spotlight
The final was a showcase of young talent and fearless cricket. Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 at the top provided the perfect start, while Deepti Sharma’s brilliant bowling dismantled South Africa’s batting order.
India’s balance, blending youth and experience proved decisive. Every player contributed to what became the defining night for Indian cricket. As Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the trophy amid chants of “Champion India,” the tears, smiles, and tricolour-draped celebrations told the story of a nation’s pride.
From the Shadows to the Spotlight
A decade ago, women’s cricket in India struggled for viewership, sponsorship, and infrastructure. Today, it stands shoulder to shoulder with the men’s game. The Women’s Premier League, sponsorship deals, and global broadcast reach have revolutionized the sport.
From local academies in Haryana to high-performance centers in Bengaluru, young girls now dream of donning the blue jersey- inspired by this First ICC World Cup victory.
This transformation has been both cultural and sporting, proof that when opportunity meets ambition, change becomes inevitable.
A Defining Moment for India and the World
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the win as “a golden chapter in India’s sporting history,” while sports icons and celebrities flooded social media with praise.
As Mithali Raj wrote:
“For every person standing behind a young girl who dares to dream of wearing India’s colours, this is a pivotal moment — proof that dreams do come true when they get the support they truly deserve.”
India’s First ICC World Cup victory is more than a sporting milestone- it’s a statement to the world that Indian women’s cricket has arrived, powerful and unstoppable.
