The year 2025 marked a defining moment in Indian women’s cricket as Harmanpreet Kaur and her team finally lifted a long-awaited ICC trophy. India sealed a memorable 52-run victory over South Africa Women’s Cricket Team in the final, played at the DY Patil Stadium. The triumph not only showcased India’s dominance throughout the tournament but also ended decades of near misses on the global stage. India’s success was built on collective brilliance.
Explosive opener Shafali Verma set the tone with a fearless 87 in the final, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma played a crucial role with the ball, finishing the tournament with a record-breaking wicket tally. The Women in Blue displayed remarkable composure in high-pressure moments, especially after their dramatic semi-final victory against Australia Women’s Cricket Team. Speaking at the Board of Control for Cricket in India Naman Awards on Sunday, Harmanpreet admitted that winning the World Cup was an emotional and unforgettable milestone for the entire squad.
“It meant a lot to us. Since women’s cricket began, we have dreamed of lifting the ICC trophy. All the women cricketers have been dreaming about it. But our team was able to do it and is proud of it. I hope it continues and we keep on winning ICC titles. It’s a great feeling, and I’m really happy that as a team we were able to do that,” Harmanpreet Kaur said.
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One of the most defining moments of the final came when Harmanpreet completed the catch that sealed India’s historic victory. She held on to a crucial chance to dismiss Nadine de Klerk off Deepti Sharma’s bowling, confirming India’s 52-run win and sparking wild celebrations among players and fans.
Reflecting on that moment, the Indian captain admitted the catch would remain one of the most special memories of her career.
A simple and beautiful note to all the girls chasing their dreams 💬
An inspiring message from the World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur 👏#NamanAwards | @ImHarmanpreet pic.twitter.com/j3ctcdgxX9
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 15, 2026
“Yes, 100 per cent. We were all praying to get that final wicket. I think not just me, but everyone in the team was waiting for that opportunity. I feel blessed that the catch came to me. I’m so grateful. I have taken so many catches in my career, but that particular one will always be close to my heart,” she said.
The awards night also celebrated another standout performer in Indian women’s cricket — Smriti Mandhana. The stylish left-hander was named Best International Women’s Cricketer at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 after an extraordinary 2025 season.
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Mandhana finished the year with a staggering 1,703 international runs, including a record 1,362 runs in ODIs — the highest ever by a woman in a single calendar year. Her consistency and elegance at the top of the order played a key role in India’s World Cup triumph.
As India’s vice-captain, Mandhana led from the front during the tournament, scoring 434 runs in nine matches to emerge as India’s highest run-getter and the second-highest scorer overall. Earlier in the year, she had also produced a sensational performance against Australia in New Delhi, smashing a 50-ball ODI century — the fastest by an Indian batter — surpassing the previous record held by Virat Kohli.
