Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma Power India to 298 in Women’s World Cup Final

India set the stage in Navi Mumbai with a fabulous 298 for 7 in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final. Under a warm afternoon sun and a packed DY Patil Stadium, Shafali Verma’s fearless strokeplay and Deepti Sharma’s calm fifty shaped a near-perfect batting display from the Women in Blue.

The tone was set early. Shafali walked in with Smriti Mandhana, and within minutes, the scoreboard was racing. South Africa’s new-ball pair, Khaka and Kapp, found swing but little control. Mandhana punched through cover with grace, while Shafali attacked anything short. Their 104-run stand not only silenced the Proteas’ early optimism but also dictated the rhythm of the innings.

Shafali’s innings was audacious yet mature, 87 off 78 balls filled with 7 boundaries and two clean sixes. She punished the width, drove on the rise, and swept with confidence. Her intent forced South Africa to alter plans early. But just as she looked set for a century, Ayabonga Khaka found her edge. The dismissal was a relief for Laura Wolvaardt’s side, who had watched the partnership balloon dangerously.

Jemimah Rodrigues tried to build on the platform but couldn’t convert her start, falling for 24 while trying to clear midwicket. Khaka struck again, pulling South Africa back into the contest. From 166 for 1, India slipped to 171 for 3, losing a bit of momentum as the spinners tied down the middle overs.

That’s when Deepti Sharma took charge. Her inning wasn’t flashy. It was built on composure and timing. She rotated the strike smartly, used the gaps well, and punished loose balls. Her 58 off 58 balls came at a time when India needed stability more than flair.

At the other end, Richa Ghosh brought the energy back. Her 34 off 24 balls was the spark India needed at the death. She walked in with 7 overs left and swung freely, lifting Khaka over midwicket and sweeping Mlaba for boundaries. The late acceleration pushed India closer to the 300 mark, a total that looked imposing given the surface and the stage.

Khaka finished strong with 3 for 58, showing her value in clutch moments. Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk chipped in with one wicket but struggled for consistency. South Africa’s fielding, usually sharp, faltered, including two misfields and a dropped catch, which cost them at least 20 runs.

When the innings ended, the crowd stood and applauded. India had posted 298, a score that screamed intent and confidence. For South Africa, the path to their first World Cup title now ran through one of the steepest chases in tournament history. With Wolvaardt and Brits to open, they’d need something extraordinary.

1st Inning Summary 

India 298/7 (50 0vers)

Shafali Verma 87 (78)

Ayabonga Khaka  3/58 

South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first.