Table of Contents
IND-W vs SA-W Women’s World Cup Final 2025 Live Updates: India beat South Africa by 5 wickets
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first — Harmanpreet Kaur leads India to glory in front of a packed Eden Gardens
IND-W vs SA-W Final 2025 Live.The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final turned into a festival of cricketing excellence and emotion as India Women (IND-W) lifted their maiden World Cup trophy after defeating South Africa Women (SA-W) by five wickets at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and decided to bat first, aiming to post a challenging total on a dry pitch. However, India’s disciplined bowling and Harmanpreet Kaur’s composed leadership turned the tide as the home side etched their names into history.
Toss & Match Info
- Toss: South Africa won, chose to bat first
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Date: November 2, 2025
- Pitch: Firm surface with early pace, expected to assist spinners later
- Weather: Clear skies, moderate humidity — ideal for cricket
Playing XIs
India Women (IND-W): Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh, Shreyanka Patil.
South Africa Women (SA-W): Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
1st Innings: South Africa’s Steady Start, India’s Comebackhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2025/nov/02/india-v-south-africa-womens-cricket-world-cup-final-live
South Africa began confidently, with openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt adding a solid 70-run partnership. But once Renuka Singh found her rhythm, the Indian bowlers tightened the screws.
Key Highlights:
- Renuka Singh dismissed Brits for 36 and Wolvaardt for 45.
- Marizanne Kapp stood tall with a fighting 68 off 81 balls.
- Indian spinners Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma controlled the middle overs beautifully.
SA-W Total: 248/8 in 50 overs
Top Scorer: Kapp (68), Wolvaardt (45)
Best Bowler: Renuka Singh (3/41)
2nd Innings: Mandhana, Shafali, and Harmanpreet Script the Chase
India’s reply began with intent. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave the perfect start, scoring 52 in the first 10 overs. Verma’s attacking half-century set the tone for India’s chase.
Timeline of Key Moments:
- Mandhana (35) provided a calm start before falling to Kapp.
- Shafali Verma (58) smashed five fours and three sixes, energizing the crowd.
- Jemimah Rodrigues (42) steadied the innings during middle overs.
- Harmanpreet Kaur (62 off 55 balls)* sealed the chase with her trademark calmness.
India reached the target in 49.4 overs — 249/5 — sparking wild celebrations across the country.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa Women | 248/8 | 50 overs | — |
| India Women | 249/5 | 49.4 overs | India won by 5 wickets |
Player of the Match: Harmanpreet Kaur (62* off 55)
Player of the Tournament: Smriti Mandhana (521 runs in 8 matches)
Captain Reactions
Harmanpreet Kaur (India Captain):
“This win belongs to every woman who ever dreamed of wearing the Indian jersey. We waited long for this moment — it’s a victory for our people.”
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Captain):
“We gave it everything. Full credit to India — they were the better team tonight. We’ll come back stronger.”
Stat Highlights
- This is India Women’s first-ever ICC ODI World Cup title.
- Harmanpreet Kaur becomes the first Indian captain (men or women) to win a World Cup at Eden Gardens.
- Renuka Singh’s 3/41 was her best spell in a World Cup knockout.
- The final recorded a stadium attendance of over 82,000, the highest for a women’s cricket match in India.
Analysis: What Won It for India
- Strategic Bowling Changes: Kaur’s decision to use Pooja Vastrakar in short spells disrupted partnerships.
- Fielding Discipline: India’s sharp fielding saved 20+ runs — a decisive factor in close matches.
- Mental Strength: Even when wickets fell, India’s chase stayed composed — no panic, no reckless shots.
- WPL Effect: Players like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh carried fearless WPL energy onto the global stage.
Beyond Cricket: What This Win Means
This victory goes beyond boundaries and sixes — it’s a social and cultural milestone.
- Visibility: Women’s cricket now commands global attention, breaking old stereotypes.
- Inspiration: Young girls in small towns will now dream of cricket careers.
- Economics: Sponsors, brands, and broadcasters will invest more in women’s sports.
The success of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has already changed the ecosystem, creating a professional pipeline that feeds into the national team. This World Cup win is the natural next step in that evolution.
Looking Ahead
India’s triumph will reshape the future of women’s cricket:
- WPL Expansion: More franchises, higher pay scales, and stronger scouting.
- Infrastructure: Dedicated women’s academies across states.
- Global Impact: Other nations will boost domestic programs to keep pace.
South Africa, despite defeat, can take pride in their journey. Their blend of experience and youth shows they’re a force that will rise aga
Conclusion
Under the bright lights of Eden Gardens, India Women created history. From Smriti’s elegance to Harmanpreet’s resolve, this team embodied courage and clarity. They didn’t just win a World Cup — they ignited a revolution in Indian sport.
As fireworks lit up Kolkata’s night sky, one truth became clear:
The future of world cricket is proudly, powerfully female.