Former cricketer and current Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has praised India’s women cricketers after their historic first ICC Women’s World Cup win. Gautam Gambhir said that the team has created a legacy that will inspire young girls across the country to take up the sport.
India had to face final defeats in 2005 and 2017. However, the Indian team achieved its first World Cup title in either ODI or T20I format. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Women in Blue defeated first-time finalists South Africa by 52 runs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2.
You have created a legacy that will inspire generations of girls – Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir congratulated India’s World Cup-winning women’s team through a message on social media. She said she has created a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of young girls.
“You haven’t just made history, you’ve created a legacy that will inspire generations of girls!” Gautam Gambhir wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
You haven’t just made history, you’ve created a legacy that will inspire generations of girls! #LegendsForever pic.twitter.com/51k29fIAO4
– Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) 3 November 2025
India won the 13th Women’s ODI World Cup and joined the elite group of champions, becoming the fourth team to win the title after Australia (7), England (4) and New Zealand (1). Notably, India won despite not being counted among the favorites at the start of the tournament.
India scored 298 runs after being asked to bat first
India were asked to bat after South Africa decided to bowl first. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma started with an opening partnership of 100 runs. Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues took India to 166/2. Shefali scored 87 runs in 78 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma made a partnership of 52 runs and took the total score beyond 200. Richa Ghosh’s explosive innings took India to a competitive score of 298/7 in 50 overs. Ayabonga Khaka was the best bowler for South Africa, taking 3 wickets for 58 runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur scored 20 runs in 29 balls with the help of two fours, while Deepti added 58 runs in 58 balls with the help of three fours and a six. Richa Ghosh scored 34 runs in 24 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes.
Shafali Verma was chosen player of the match in the final
South Africa started the chase with a half-century, but their momentum was halted by the early dismissal of Tazmin Britts. Laura Wolvaardt controlled the innings, but the wickets of Shafali Verma and Sri Charani left the visitors in trouble at 148/5.
After this, Wolvaardt and Anne Dirksen revived South Africa’s hopes by adding 61 runs for the sixth wicket. Wolvaardt scored 101 off 98 balls after scoring 169 in the semi-finals.
Deepti Sharma bowled the match-winning spell, dismissing both well-set batsmen and restricting South Africa to 221/8. She claimed the first five-wicket haul by an Indian woman in a World Cup final, as South Africa were bowled out for 246. Shafali won the Player of the Match award.
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