India defeated South Africa in the final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 to win the title for the first time, thanks to Deepti Sharma’s stellar performance.
Her batting and bowling astonished everyone on the Navi Mumbai ground.
Read Also: India Get Their First ICC Women’s WC Title with 52-Run Win Over South Africa
Deepti Sharma Breaks Record No Man or Woman Has Ever Touched in World Cups
In the final match, Deepti Sharma first scored a brilliant 58 runs with the bat, stabilizing India’s innings. Then, taking the ball, she dismantled the entire South African team, taking 5 wickets!
This was the first 5-wicket haul by an Indian woman in a WC final. Throughout the tournament, Deepti scored 215 runs at an average of 30.71 and a strike rate of 90.71, including three half-centuries.
With the ball, she became the top wicket-taker, taking 22 wickets at an average of 24.11. With this, she became the first cricketer to complete the double of 200 runs and 20 wickets in a WC 2025.
Deepti had tears of joy in her eyes when she said,
“Honestly, we still can’t believe this result. It feels like a dream. But I’m very happy I could contribute like this today. We always try to take away positives from every match. Also, I have to thank the fans — they came in huge numbers today, because they support us in every game. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible. As a team, we feel so good after this result.”
When asked how she plays under pressure, she said,
“I always enjoy whatever department I’m in, whatever situation I’m in, because I like challenges. Today, I had both bat and ball in my hand, and I had to play according to the situation. I enjoyed it a lot. What better moment than this to perform as an all-rounder for your team? It can’t be more amazing than this.”
Praising South African captain Laura Wolvaardt’s century, Deepti said,
“Laura played a very good innings, honestly. But we were calm. We were always cheering each other up during breaks. As a bowling unit, we decided to go until the last ball and focus on our best deliveries. That’s what we did.”
Deepti now has 36 WC wkts, the second-most for India after Jhulan Goswami’s 43.
WATCH: Gambhir and Bumrah Cheer for India Women from Dressing Room in Hobart
India’s New Star: Deepti Sharma’s Journey and Future
Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Tournament, which was absolutely deserved. The team has changed since 2017, and playing more matches is making things better.
Deepti dedicated the trophy to her parents, saying, “There have been many changes since 2017. If we play more matches, it will only help. And finally, I’d like to dedicate this trophy to my mom and dad.”
The Indian women’s team will receive a record prize money of ₹39 crore. Deepti has now surpassed Shubhangi Kulkarni and Neetu David’s record of 20.
With players like her, the team’s future looks bright and the World Cup 2025 victory will forever be remembered in history as the moment India rose to the top.
