From heartbreak to glory: Harmanpreet’s India lift first women’s world cup, beat South Africa

The Indian women’s team has done what generations dreamed of, lifting their first-ever ICC World Cup after a thrilling win over South Africa. From heartbreaks in 2005, 2017, and 2020 to ultimate glory in 2025, the Women in Blue have finally conquered the world stage. 21-year-old Shafali Verma, once dropped from the squad, became India’s hero, smashing 87 runs and taking 2 key wickets in the final to seal the win and earn the Player of the Match title. Deepti Sharma, with 22 wickets, was crowned Player of the Tournament, underlining India’s all-round dominance. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India joins an elite club of World Cup-winning sides, alongside Kapil Dev (1983), MS Dhoni (2011), and Rohit Sharma (2024).