Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian women’s cricket team’s “exceptional teamwork and tenacity” after their historic 52-run victory over South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. Posting on X, he praised their skill, confidence, and relentless spirit throughout the tournament, declaring the triumph a beacon for future generations of female athletes. The win marked India’s maiden Women’s World Cup crown, ending decades of near-misses and igniting nationwide celebrations before a roaring home crowd. Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad delivered a masterclass in collective brilliance, blending aggressive batting, sharp fielding, and clinical bowling to overpower the Proteas and etch their names in cricketing immortality.

India’s batting firepower set the foundation, posting a formidable 298/7—the second-highest total in a Women’s ODI World Cup final. Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 and Smriti Mandhana’s classy 45 forged a 100-run opening stand, seizing early control. Deepti Sharma’s composed 58 anchored the middle overs, while Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 34 injected late momentum. South Africa fought back in the death overs, with Ayabonga Khaka claiming 3-58 and Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon chipping in, but India’s total proved beyond reach. At 223/3, a 320-plus score seemed imminent before the Proteas’ disciplined finish restricted the hosts just shy of 300.

Chasing 299, South Africa started strongly with Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt adding a brisk 50-run powerplay partnership. However, Amanjot Kaur’s lightning direct hit from mid-off ran out Brits, sparking the collapse. Debutant Sree Charani trapped Anneke Bosch LBW in her first over, while Wolvaardt’s resilient 39th ODI fifty, paired with Sune Luus, pushed the score past 100. The turning point came when captain Harmanpreet Kaur unleashed Shafali Verma, whose double strike—dismissing Luus in her opening over and then the dangerous Marizanne Kapp—shattered South Africa’s middle order and tilted the game decisively.

Also Read: PM Modi Honors Sikh Heritage During Visit to Takhat Patna Sahib

Shafali’s momentum carried forward as Sinalo Jafta fell for the fifth wicket, leaving South Africa reeling. In the 42nd over, Wolvaardt’s dismissal was followed swiftly by Chloe Tryon’s exit for 9, reducing the Proteas to eight down with 78 needed off 48 balls. Nadine de Klerk waged a lone battle, but India’s bowlers closed ranks, bundling South Africa out for 246 in 45.3 overs. The fielding unit, led by Amanjot’s sharpness and Harmanpreet’s tactical acumen, ensured no comeback, sealing a victory that resonated as a triumph of strategy, skill, and unbreakable resolve.

This landmark achievement transcends the boundary ropes, inspiring millions of young girls to dream big in sports. Modi’s words captured the moment’s magnitude: a historic win that will motivate future champions. From Shafali’s all-round heroics to Deepti’s steadiness and Harmanpreet’s leadership, every player contributed to a legacy-defining performance. As fireworks lit the Navi Mumbai sky, India’s women cricketers stood tall as world champions, proving that tenacity and teamwork can conquer any summit.

Also Read: #BiharPolls: PM Modi "Remote-Controlled" by Ambani-Adani, Panics Under Trump Pressure Says Rahul Gandhi