India Creates History: Women Bring Home Their Maiden ODI World Cup Trophy
An ODI World Cup is finally home after 14 long years of waiting. Every street, every area, and every corner of India is celebrating the women in blue. They didn’t let our hopes down; they brought home the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2025.
Years ago, the women in blue were pleading for audience support. Women’s cricket in India has come a long way, from fighting for recognition and struggling for support from both the board and the public, to now commanding the love of an entire nation.
Today, we see grown men, women, children, and even the elderly shedding tears of joy for this incredible win. This win meant everything to us.
The older generation of Indian women cricketers ran so that the new generation could walk. They sacrificed everything, with no expectations, only to pave a path for the young girls who now wear the jersey with pride.
In a beautiful gesture, the current team honoured the legends Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami by handing them the trophy, making sure they, too, felt the win they had once dreamt of and that they deserved it too.
Back in 2013, in the very same Mumbai, the stands during the World Cup final were empty. But today, tickets were sold out, and the stadium was packed with thousands of roaring fans. That’s the growth of women’s cricket in India.
However, despite the progress, the players still faced misogynistic trolls. After two early losses, trolls claimed that “women belong in the kitchen” or are only “fit for domestic roles.”
But our girls proved them wrong, spectacularly and gave them a befitting reply with their action.
Many legendary players and celebrities took their social media to congratulate the team,
“Inspiration for generations to come, you’ve made every Indian proud with your fearless cricket and belief throughout. You guys deserve all the accolades and enjoy the moment to the fullest. Well done, Harman and the team. Jai Hind” – Virat Kohli
“1983 inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase those dreams. Today, our Women’s Cricket Team has done something truly special. They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball, take the field and believe that they too can lift that trophy one day. This is a defining moment in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. Well done, Team India. You’ve made the whole nation proud.”-Sachin Tendulkar
“Champions of the World
I’ve seen this dream for over two decades, to watch the Indian women lift that World Cup trophy.
Tonight, that dream finally came true.
From the heartbreak of 2005 to the fight of 2017, every tear, every sacrifice, every young girl who picked up a bat believing we belong here, it all led to this moment.
To the new champions of world cricket, you didn’t just win a trophy; you won every heart that ever beat for Indian women’s cricket. Jai Hind”-Mithali Raj
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first, putting early pressure on India to post a strong total on the board. Openers Shefali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave India a solid start with crucial knocks of 45 and 87 runs respectively. Despite a few quick wickets, India managed to recover thanks to South Africa’s misfields, and Deepti Sharma’s composed innings lifted the total to an impressive 298/7.
In the second innings, South Africa began strongly with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits building a steady partnership. But a brilliant run-out by Amanjot Kaur broke their rhythm.
While South Africa maintained a decent run rate, wickets kept tumbling. Their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, stood firm and played a remarkable century that almost turned the match in their favour. But when Amanjot Kaur took an incredible catch of Laura at long-on, the momentum shifted dramatically.
The new batters struggled to settle, and the Indian bowlers tightened their grip. Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul sealed the deal, with Harmanpreet Kaur taking the final catch off her delivery, which was everything.
As the last wicket fell in the 46th over, the stadium erupted, fireworks, tears, chants, and celebrations filled the air. This November 2 healed the November 19 wound we’ve all carried since that heartbreaking loss three years ago.
Our captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, has now etched her name in history, becoming the third Indian captain to lift an ODI World Cup trophy, after Kapil Dev (1983) and MS Dhoni (2011).
It was our moment, one that will never be forgotten in the history of Indian cricket.
It’s India’s now.
