November 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the night Indian cricket reached new heights. At DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, captain Harmanpreet Kaur held the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy high, leading India to its maiden World Cup title with a commanding 52-run win over South Africa. Her leadership, composure, and sheer determination were the pillars of this historic achievement.
Throughout the tournament, Kaur exemplified calm authority and strategic brilliance. She instilled confidence in her team, empowering players like Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma to deliver match-winning performances. In the high-stakes final, she once again led from the front. Walking in after two quick wickets, Kaur steadied India’s innings with a responsible yet assertive 73 off 82 balls. Her partnership with Deepti Sharma added 110 crucial runs for the fifth wicket, lifting India to an imposing total of 298 for 7 in 50 overs. Her innings blended patience and precision — a masterclass in handling pressure when it mattered most.
When South Africa began their chase, Kaur’s tactical awareness shone through. Her decisions in field placements and bowling rotations demonstrated complete control. Bringing Deepti Sharma back into the attack in the 30th over turned the game in India’s favor, as South Africa’s key partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp was broken. Using spinners effectively on a turning surface, Kaur ensured that South Africa’s middle order never found momentum. Her energy on the field kept the team united, and her calm under pressure ensured India maintained control till the final wicket fell.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India a 52-run victory — a moment of redemption after the heartbreaks of 2005 and 2017. The win was doubly special, marking Harmanpreet’s 150th ODI as captain and earning her the “Captain of the Tournament” honor. Cricket greats Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami hailed her as a leader who “redefined belief and boldness.”
Born in Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet has long been a trailblazer — the first Indian to sign a Big Bash League contract and a driving force behind India’s fearless brand of cricket. This World Cup victory cements her legacy as one of India’s greatest captains. Looking ahead, Kaur has already set her sights on future conquests, vowing to continue India’s dominance in upcoming global tournaments. Her words after the win summed it up best: “This is just the beginning. We’re here to keep pushing boundaries.”
