Women in Blue gain greater strength: List of records broken by Indian players in ODI World Cup 2025

Mumbai: The Indian women’s cricket team created history on Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, lifting their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title with a comprehensive victory over South Africa. The emphatic triumph was marked by several individual and team milestones, as India set new benchmarks in both batting and bowling during the summit clash.

Deepti Sharma’s historic bowling feat

Off-spinner Deepti Sharma was the standout with the ball, breaking the record for the most wickets taken by an Indian in a single edition of the Women’s World Cup. Her five-wicket haul in the final brought her tally for the 2025 edition to 22 wickets, surpassing the previous record of 20 wickets jointly held by Neetu David (2005) and Shubhangi Kulkarni (1982).

Sharma’s scalps in the final included centurion Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon, as well as Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk and Sinalo Jafta, leaving South Africa reeling at 246 all out in response to India’s imposing 298/7. With this performance, Sharma became the first player to register 200 runs as well as 15 wickets in a single Women’s World Cup edition, hene being named ‘Player of the Tournament’ etching her name firmly in cricketing history.

Smriti Mandhana breaks batting records

Opening batter Smriti Mandhana also made history by surpassing former captain Mithali Raj’s record for the most runs by an Indian in a single edition of the Women’s World Cup. Mandhana scored 434 runs in the 2025 tournament at an average of 54.25, eclipsing Raj’s tally of 409 runs in 2017. Her consistency at the top of the order proved crucial in laying strong foundations for India’s chase of World Cup glory.

Shafali Verma sets new finals benchmark

Young opener Shafali Verma was the star of the Indian innings in the final, scoring 87 off 78 deliveries. This remarkable knock made her the highest-scoring opener for India in any World Cup final, surpassing Punam Raut’s 86 against England in 2017. Her explosive batting, combined with the quick-fire contributions of Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh, helped India post a competitive 298/7, the second-highest total in Women’s World Cup final history.

Harmanpreet Kaur shines in knockout stages

India’s skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, cemented her reputation as a match-winner by becoming the highest run-scorer in the knockout stages of a Women’s ODI World Cup. She amassed 331 runs, narrowly overtaking Australia’s Belinda Clark, who had held the record with 330 runs. Her leadership and timely contributions with the bat guided India through the semifinals and into their maiden final triumph.

Richa Ghosh joins elite six-hitters club

Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh also left her mark on the record books. She joined West Indies’ Deandra Dottin as the player with the most sixes in a single Women’s World Cup edition, hitting 12 maximums in the 2025 tournament. Ghosh’s aggressive batting style added the finishing touches to India’s commanding total in the final.

Team India’s historic total

India’s target of 299 in the final was the second-highest ever set in a Women’s World Cup final. Only Australia’s 356/5 against England in 2022 surpasses this feat. The comprehensive score, backed by collective batting brilliance and tight bowling, ultimately proved unassailable, sealing a 52-run victory over South Africa.

In summary

Sunday’s historic final saw India dominate all facets of the game, setting new benchmarks that will be remembered for years to come. Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking bowling, Smriti Mandhana’s run-scoring consistency, Shafali Verma’s final heroics, Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, and Richa Ghosh’s six-hitting ability collectively scripted a historic victory.

The triumph not only secured India’s maiden Women’s World Cup title but also established a platform of records that underline the emergence of a formidable and balanced Indian women’s cricket team. As celebrations swept across the country, the achievements of these players will inspire the next generation of cricketers to dream big and aim even higher. (With inputs from Agencies)