India lifted their maiden ODI World Cup trophy on Nov. 2, 2025, dispatching South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai— the scoreline that etched the match into history.
India batted first and posted 298/7, with Shafali Verma blazing 87 and Deepti Sharma adding 58. Sharma then turned the tide, claiming five wickets for 32 as South Africa collapsed to 246.
The turning point came in the 28th over when Sharma’s leg‑break deliveries broke a key partnership, shifting momentum and sealing the win.
After the final whistle, former captain MS Dhoni, rarely seen on WhatsApp, texted Smriti Mandhana—a player he had the only team number saved. He wanted the message to reach her before the celebration video aired.
Mandhana laughed, saying, "I was very happy that he used WhatsApp to congratulate all of us." She highlighted Dhoni’s selectivity, noting he had no other team contacts.
With the title secured, India now turns its attention to the 2026 ICC Emerging Nations Series, where the women’s squad will aim to cement their legacy.