In a significant milestone for women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana showcased her exceptional talent during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final, where India faced South Africa. The match, held at a packed stadium, marked the first Women’s ODI World Cup final to feature neither England nor Australia, highlighting the evolving landscape of women’s cricket. India was sent into bat first after Laura Wolvaardt won the toss. Mandhana’s superb innings led India to a five-wicket win with nine balls to spare.
Mandhana was the star for India, finishing the tournament with 389 runs. Her average was 55.57 and she had a strike rate of 102.36. Along with Shafali Verma, she helped to form one of the tournament’s most successful opening partnerships with Pratika Rawal as she opened the innings throughout the tournament. The duo gave India a blistering start, laying the foundation for a quick-fire score.
Mandhana’s Dominance at the Top Order
As India took to the field, Mandhana displayed a blend of patience and aggression while facing South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp, who had the new ball in hand. She settled in, playing herself cautiously through those first overs, leaving a few and defending the first couple while looking to put away the bad balls.
When Kapp bowled a loose wider ball, Mandhana jumped on the chance, driving it through point for four runs. This aggressive stroke not just uplifted her confidence but laid the foundation for India’s innings. She was relentless though, searching for gaps, piercing another ball style past covers, showing her class when picking up and punishing errant deliveries.
Mandhana’s 87 off 56 balls was vital in building a strong platform for India. Her partnership with Verma offered stability and momentum, letting the Indian batting order really add on to their blistering start.
A Historic Match Unfolds
Stakes could hardly be higher as India took on South Africa in this momentous final. The energy in the room was palpably electric. One thing was for sure, fans continued to buzz with excitement, fervently hoping they would witness a new champion crowned in women’s cricket. Mandhana’s impact as an opener provided runs and an aura of self-assuredness to her teammates.
As India settled in for the long haul, Mandhana’s class and nervelessness started shining through even more. She was very high-level about how she played, really patient and waiting for opportunities but still moving the scoreboard forward. Her class, ability to rotate the strike effectively and calm head made sure that there was always pressure turned on the South Africa’s bowlers.
Wickets fell regularly during India’s innings. It was a startling combination of resolute defence and fireworks that characterized the knock of the really in-form Mandhana. Her assists and her goal in the quarterfinals against France were crucial in establishing a competitive target within reach of the South African side.
Victory Secured
With Mandhana’s innings—her own career high 80—leading the charge, India made short work of South Africa to advance to the quarterfinals. The team’s performance as a whole had been laudable, but it was Mandhana’s blistering knock that made the difference in this historic match. Her contribution helped solidify India’s position as a formidable force in women’s cricket.
Reflecting on her performance post-match, Mandhana made it clear just how even she was proud of her team’s achievement. She underscored how important this win is for the future of women’s sports.
“You wait four years for a World Cup and to have rain play such a massive part in it is disappointing,” – Sophie Devine
Mandhana’s phenomenal rise to stardom serves as a reminder of her all time great potential. It is a reflection of the massive development in women’s cricket, which is quickly evolving into a platform for extraordinary talent and amazing experiences.
