Former Indian cricketer Syed Kirmani lavished praise on the Indian women’s cricket team for their historic ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 victory, describing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues as the “darlings of the team.” He highlighted that the squad’s resurgence after three consecutive defeats showed immense determination and fighting character.
“Individual players like Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues are the darlings of the Indian team, and, along with others, delivered great performances in crunch situations,” Kirmani told ANI.
India’s long pursuit of a World Cup crown finally came to fruition after earlier heartbreaks in the 2005 and 2017 finals. The women in blue delivered a commanding performance against South Africa, winning by 52 runs in the final. Shafali Verma’s all-round brilliance (87 runs and 2/36) and Deepti Sharma’s 58 powered India’s dominant performance. Her five-wicket haul for 39 runs sealed India’s maiden World Cup title, inspiring generations to come.
Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Kirmani expressed heartfelt admiration for their resilience and unity.
“Brilliant performance by the women’s cricket team; my heartiest congratulations to them! Losing three consecutive games and then making a comeback was a reckless effort by the entire squad. My heartfelt congratulations to all of you. We were praying for your success, and you made the nation proud.”
Mohan Yadav Lauds the Team and Rewards Kranti Goud ₹1 Crore
Joining the chorus of praise, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav extended his congratulations to the Indian women’s cricket team for their memorable victory. He also announced a cash prize of ₹1 crore for Kranti Goud, the right-arm seamer from Madhya Pradesh who was part of the winning side.
“Last night, daughters of the nation did wonders in cricket. I would like to congratulate everyone… MP’s daughter, Kranti Goud, is a member of the team. State Government will give her Rs 1 crore for her contribution to the team,” Yadav stated.
India’s Dominant Display in the Final Against South Africa
Opting to bowl first, South Africa handed India the opportunity to set the tone with the bat. The Indian openers started brilliantly as Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58) and Shafali Verma (87 off 78) added 100 runs. Shafali then partnered with Jemimah Rodrigues (24 off 37), adding vital runs and taking India to a solid 166/2.
Later, Harmanpreet Kaur (20 off 29) and Deepti Sharma (58 off 58) steadied the innings, before Richa Ghosh’s explosive 34 off 24 balls powered India to 298/7 in 50 overs. Ayabonga Khaka was the standout bowler for South Africa with figures of 3/58.
During the chase, Tazmin Brits (23) and Laura Wolvaardt offered early resistance, with Wolvaardt continuing her red-hot form. She smashed 101 off 98 balls, carrying forward her momentum from the semifinal where she struck 169 against England. A brief partnership with Annerie Dercksen (37 off 35) gave South Africa hope, but India’s bowlers held their nerve.
Shafali Verma’s breakthroughs (2/36) and Deepti Sharma’s game-changing spell (5/39) derailed South Africa’s progress. Deepti removed both set batters, becoming the first Indian woman to claim a five-wicket haul in a World Cup final, as South Africa folded for 246. India’s 52-run win etched their name in cricketing history with a maiden World Cup title.
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