In the final of the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025 match against South Africa, Team India managed to clinch the title by 52 runs at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
During the match, Shafali Verma played a knock of 87 runs off 78 deliveries, including seven boundaries and two maximums. She also claimed two wickets by bowling 36 runs in seven overs. For her all-around performance, she was also named the “Player of the Match” for the title clash.
The victory also marked the first-ever World Cup title in Indian women`s cricket history. Following the triumph, legendary Team India cricketer Mithali Raj shared a post on her social media handle.
She also credited former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah for helping women`s cricket grow during his stint.
“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. When @JayShah Sir was the BCCI Secretary, the @BCCI introduced initiatives that changed the course of women’s cricket, from equal match fees and the Women’s Premier League to a stronger domestic structure, India A tours, and a thriving U19 pathway. Now, the @ICC continues to shape the women’s game, with the World Cup being hosted at home and the prize pool raised to 13.88 million dollars, a fourfold increase that shows how far the game has come. For every person standing behind a young girl who dares to dream of wearing India’s colours, this is a pivotal moment, a reminder that dreams do come true when those dreams get the support they truly deserve,” her post`s caption read.
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. When @JayShah Sir was the BCCI Secretary,… pic.twitter.com/oSphmmRjOl
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) November 3, 2025
Earlier, in an attempt to chase the target of 299 runs, the Proteas were bowled out for 246 runs in 45.3 overs.
Deepti Sharma was the most successful bowler for the hosts. Bowling 9.3 overs, she bagged five wickets for 39 runs. Shafali Verma, too, claimed two wickets by conceding 36 runs in seven overs. Nallapureddy Charani also picked up one wicket for 48 runs in nine overs.