Navi Mumbai, November 3, 2025 – India erupted in jubilation as the women's cricket team clinched their first-ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final held at the DY Patil Stadium. The victory, a historic moment for Indian sports, triggered widespread celebrations and drew accolades from prominent figures, including Indian-origin CEOs of global tech giants.
The win evoked strong emotions and memories of past cricketing glories. Google CEO Sundar Pichai, an avid cricket enthusiast, expressed his joy on social media, stating, "That was a nail-biting Women's World Cup cricket final, memories of 1983 and 2011 indeed". He congratulated Team India and expressed confidence that the victory would inspire a new generation. Pichai's reference to 1983 and 2011 alludes to India's previous World Cup wins in men's cricket, highlighting the significance of this win in the context of India's cricketing history.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella echoed Pichai's sentiments, hailing the team's achievement as a defining moment for women's cricket. "Women in Blue = World Champions! Respect to South Africa for making their first-ever final. A truly historic day for women's cricket—new chapters written, barriers broken, legends born," Nadella wrote. His words captured the essence of the victory, emphasizing the dawn of a new era for women's cricket on the global stage.
The contributions of Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were pivotal in India's triumph. Verma's explosive 87 runs off 78 balls set a strong foundation for India's innings, while Sharma's all-round performance, including a crucial half-century and a five-wicket haul, earned her the Player of the Tournament award. Their outstanding performances were instrumental in India posting a competitive total of 298/7. In response, South Africa were bowled out for 246.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash prize of ₹51 crore for the World Cup-winning squad, their coaches, and support staff. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia drew parallels between Kapil Dev's 1983 World Cup victory and Harmanpreet Kaur's team's achievement, recognizing its potential to ignite a similar passion for cricket among women.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the Indian team, acknowledging their exceptional skill, confidence, teamwork, and tenacity throughout the tournament. President Droupadi Murmu stated that the victory was a watershed moment that would elevate women's cricket to new heights.
The emotional impact of the win was evident in the stands as well, with India's newly ICC-ranked No. 1 ODI batter Rohit Sharma, visibly moved, applauding the team's historic achievement. His presence and emotional reaction underscored the unity and shared pride within the Indian cricketing fraternity.
The victory represents a significant milestone in the journey of Indian women's cricket, inspiring countless young girls to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential. As Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, aptly put it, "They didn't just lift the trophy. They lifted the game of Women's cricket itself".
