INDIA: In a narrative rivalling any Bollywood blockbuster, the Indian women’s cricket team scripted one of the most extraordinary comebacks in sporting history during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Clinging to fourth place after the Super 4 stage, the team defied expectations, culminating in a historic victory over South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 2, 2025. This marked India’s first women’s ICC title, a triumph decades in the making, and showcased the power of mental fortitude, teamwork, and timely comebacks.
Batting first after losing the toss, India posted a formidable 298 for 7, anchored by Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 off 78 balls and all-round brilliance from Deepti Sharma, who scored 58 runs and took 5 for 39. South Africa, in pursuit of 299, were led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, whose valiant 101 fell short as the Proteas were bundled out for 246. While the scoreboard tells part of the story, the real narrative lies in the resilience, strategy, and personal journeys that defined India’s campaign.
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A Super 4 Rollercoaster
India entered the 2025 World Cup as hosts, with high hopes and expectations. Early inconsistencies, however, left them at fourth in the points table post-league stage. Wins over New Zealand were offset by losses to Australia and a rain-affected draw against Bangladesh, exposing vulnerabilities in both batting and bowling.
Key performers like Smriti Mandhana, who scored 365 runs at an average of 52.14, anchored the top order, while Pratika Rawal’s 308 runs, including a match-winning 122 against New Zealand, propelled India into the Super 4s. Yet, defeats to Australia by eight wickets and a rain-washed match against Bangladesh left the team in a precarious position.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur refused to let the team’s morale falter, reminding her squad:
“We’ve fought too hard to fade now. This is our World Cup.”
Her words proved prophetic, as India clinched semifinal qualification on net run rate, setting the stage for an epic showdown with Australia, the seven-time defending champions.
Semifinal Glory: Record-Breaking Chase
The semifinal on October 30 became a match for the ages. Australia, chasing their eighth title, posted a daunting 338, highlighted by Phoebe Litchfield’s maiden World Cup century (119) and half-centuries from Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63). India’s bowlers, led by debutant Shree Charani (2 for 49) and Deepti Sharma (2 for 73), kept the total within reach, but India faced an early collapse, losing Shafali Verma for 10 and Mandhana for 24 to be 59 for 2.
Enter Jemimah Rodrigues, the Mumbai local, whose unbeaten 127 off 134 balls guided India through the chase. Partnering with Harmanpreet (89 off 88), Rodrigues constructed a 167-run partnership, blending elegance with composure. Her maiden World Cup century, punctuated by a boundary off Kim Garth, silenced the stadium into ecstatic cheers. The chase ended with nine balls and five wickets to spare, setting a new record for the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODI history.
Behind Rodrigues’ heroics lay a personal battle. Struggling with anxiety and depression throughout the tournament, she admitted post-match:
“I was crying every day before games. I’d call my mom and just let it all out because when anxiety hits, you feel numb. You question everything.”
Dropped after two low scores against England, Rodrigues felt the weight of expectation. Her return was as much a psychological triumph as a cricketing one, drawing praise from public figures like actress Deepika Padukone, who shared her own struggles with mental health.
Support From the Shadows: Shafali Verma’s Return
Rodrigues’ turnaround was bolstered by teammate Shafali Verma, whose story mirrored the campaign’s theme of patience and readiness. Initially omitted from the squad, Shafali spent the league stage supporting from home, watching games, encouraging Rodrigues, and maintaining a presence both emotionally and strategically.
When Pratika Rawal suffered an ankle fracture and knee ligament damage in the final league match against Bangladesh, Shafali was called in as her replacement. Despite limited preparation, she made an immediate impact in the final. She scored a career-best 87 off 78 balls, forming a 104-run partnership with Mandhana. Her aggressive stroke play and fearless approach helped India set a commanding total, while her 2 for 36 with the ball dismissed key Proteas batters.
Shafali later reflected, “Being on the bench hurts, but it builds hunger. Watching the girls fight inspired me to be ready.”
Her journey reinforced the idea that momentum can strike unexpectedly, and readiness is key.
The World Cup Final: Strategy, Skill, and Nerves
The final was not without challenges. A drizzling sky delayed the start, testing patience and focus. Batting first, India benefited from Shafali and Mandhana’s partnership, Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance, and key contributions from Richa Ghosh (34 off 18). South Africa’s chase was anchored by Wolvaardt’s 101, but India’s bowlers, led by Deepti and swing bowler Renuka Singh (2 for 32), dismantled the middle and lower order.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership shone in the field, particularly with a spectacular low catch to dismiss Nadine de Klerk, sealing the match and sparking pandemonium at the DY Patil Stadium. Injured Pratika Rawal, wheeled onto the field, celebrated with the team, a poignant reminder of squad unity and collective triumph.
Beyond Cricket: Lessons in Resilience
This victory carried layers of significance. Rodrigues’ story highlighted that vulnerability is not weakness, and seeking help transforms fear into focus. Shafali’s rise underscored that bench time can build preparation, determination, and eventual success. Together, they embodied the World Cup’s key message: being a backbencher does not end one’s journey; momentum awaits the prepared.
The triumph also fueled a surge in women’s cricket participation across India, with viewership up 150% during the tournament and grassroots programs expanding nationwide. Celebrities and business leaders, including Anand Mahindra, praised the team for their grit and collaborative spirit, inspiring young athletes across disciplines.
Legacy of the 2025 Champions
India’s first senior women’s ICC title after runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2017 cements a new era. The BCCI’s Rs 51 crore reward pales in comparison to the cultural and social impact of this victory. The tournament showcased that preparation, resilience, mental health awareness, and team support are just as crucial as talent and skill.
As fireworks lit the Navi Mumbai skyline and the trophy gleamed under floodlights, Harmanpreet Kaur summed it up:
“This is for every girl dreaming big. From fourth to first – we showed belief wins.”
The Indian women’s cricket team’s journey from fourth in the Super 4 stage to World Champions is a story of courage, collaboration, and the power of opportunity. In cricket, as in life, the prepared, resilient, and supported can rise from the shadows to shine on the grandest stage.
On November 2, 2025, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team did more than just lift a trophy. They lifted the spirits of a nation and sent a message to the world: no dream is too distant, no player too small, no situation too late.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ courage through anxiety and depression, Shefali Verma’s readiness to rise from the sidelines, and the team’s collective determination turned adversity into achievement.
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