Hosts India created history by lifting their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy, becoming the fourth nation to win the title after Australia, England, and New Zealand. In front of a packed crowd of 45,000 at Navi Mumbai, India defeated South Africa in a thrilling final that went down to the last delivery. The match concluded close to midnight when skipper Harmanpreet Kaur took the decisive catch to dismiss Nadine de Klerk, sparking jubilant celebrations across the country.
Record crowds and growing global attention
The 2025 edition witnessed unprecedented fan engagement, with record-breaking attendance figures highlighting the sport’s rising popularity. A crowd of 25,965 turned up for India’s league clash against Bangladesh — the highest ever for a women’s cricket league match — surpassing the previous record of 25,166 set earlier in the tournament during India’s game against New Zealand.
Deepti Sharma named Player of the Tournament
India’s all-rounder Deepti Sharma emerged as the standout performer, becoming the first cricketer in Women’s World Cup history to score over 200 runs and claim more than 20 wickets in a single edition. Her spell of five for 39 in the final capped off a stunning campaign, earning her the Player of the Tournament award.
Wolvaardt’s brilliance lights up the tournament
South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt was sensational with the bat, amassing a record 571 runs, including centuries in both the semifinal and final. Her phenomenal form propelled her to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings. The tournament also saw 15 centuries — the highest ever in a Women’s World Cup — along with eight 300-plus team totals and a record 133 sixes.
Historic chases and fierce bowling battles
The 2025 edition wasn’t only about big scores. Australia’s chase of 331 against India in the group stage set a new record for the highest successful women’s ODI chase — a mark India would later surpass in the semi-final by chasing 339, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127.
It was also a bowler’s World Cup, with three players — Deepti Sharma (20), Annabel Sutherland (17), and Sophie Ecclestone (16) — taking more than 15 wickets, a feat not achieved since 1982. South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp made history by becoming the all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history, overtaking Jhulan Goswami with 44 wickets.
Alana King’s record spell and emotional farewells
Australia’s Alana King produced the best-ever bowling figures in a Women’s World Cup match, claiming seven for 18 against South Africa. The tournament also marked the farewell of New Zealand legend Sophie Devine, who bowed out of the 50-over format. Reflecting on the sport’s rapid evolution, Devine said, “It is incredible to think of the growth of the game. To see where it’s got to is almost unrecognisable since I made my debut. I am going to be the biggest fan from now on.”
A landmark World Cup for women’s cricket
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will be remembered as a landmark tournament — for India’s historic win, record crowds, groundbreaking performances, and the growing global recognition of women’s cricket. It showcased not only the sport’s competitive edge but also its power to inspire a new generation of fans and players worldwide.
