The Indian women’s team lost three matches but eventually went on to lift the World Cup title

The Women in Blue won their maiden ODI World Cup in 2025, ending a decades-long trophy drought. To win the title, the women’s team had to play nine matches, but it wasn’t a perfect run for the squad. Out of nine matches, the team lost three in a row, and one was washed out. Although the victory is still fresh in everybody’s memories, we feel a recap should be on the cards as a part of our sports year-end series.

Two victories on trot

India started its campaign on a winning note, beating Sri Lanka by 59 runs. The team set a target of 268 runs, but the Indian bowling line-up reduced the team to 211, winning by 59 runs.

(Credit- ESPNcricinfo)

Next up, India met PAK for the second game. From unfair tosses to death stares and controversial statements, the game had it all, but on the day, India emerged victorious by 88 runs.

A downfall

India’s downfall in the tournament started with a defeat at the hands of South Africa, the same opponent whom the Women in Blue eventually defeated in the finale.

(Credit- Republic World)

In the fourth game, history repeated itself: India, despite putting on a great show, lost to Australia by inches. As always, India performed well but failed to cross the line. The Women in Blue suffered another setback, losing their next game against England.

All of a sudden, the exit seemed closer for the Indian team than the trophy.

Rise again

After three back-to-back defeats, the Indian side fortunately got back into its senses, defeating New Zealand in the next game. The Women in Blue posted a target of 340 runs and bowled out the Kiwis for 271.

(Credit- NDTV Sports)

Next was the game against Bangladesh, which was completely in India’s favour. However, rain played a spoilsport, and India had to settle for a draw. Nonetheless, India had done enough to secure a place in the semi-final.

The Rodrigues show

(Credit- RCB)

In the semi-final, India again met Australia, a team that has defeated India countless times in ICC knockout matches across genders. However, this time, the Indian side did the impossible. 127 runs from Jemimah Rodrigues and 89 from Harmanpreet Kaur helped India defeat the Baggy Greens, securing a berth in the finale of the tourney.

The final

(Credit- NDTV Sports)

In the final, India faced South Africa, setting a target of 298. Shafali Verma scored a whopping 89 runs, followed by Deepti Sharma, who scored 58, and Smriti Mandhana with 45 runs from her willow. Sharma also had a heroic run with the ball, scalping five wickets of the Proteas, who faltered at 246 runs.

After years of failure, the Women in Blue finally lifted the World Cup trophy on the evening of November 2, 2025.