Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on the Indian team's incredible win in the Women's World Cup 2025 final, calling it one of the greatest moments in Indian cricket. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their maiden World Cup title.
This special report focuses on the jubilant reactions following the Indian women's cricket team's historic, first-ever World Cup victory, led by a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance in the final was marked by great skill and confidence,' the Prime Minister stated in a post on X. The nation celebrated as captain Harmanpreet Kaur's team defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final in Navi Mumbai to clinch the coveted ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 trophy. This landmark achievement for the 'Women in Blue' is being hailed as a golden moment for Indian cricket, which will inspire a new generation of athletes across the country.
India erupted in joy as the women's cricket team lifted their maiden World Cup title, defeating South Africa in a historic finale. From streets to stadiums, celebrations swept the nation as fans, players and legends hailed the team's unforgettable triumph.
This special report focuses on a 'Havan' and prayer ceremony organised at a Gaushala in Chandigarh's Sector 45 for the Indian women's cricket team ahead of their World Cup final against South Africa. According to organiser Vinod ji, 'Our country was earlier called a country of illiterates... but today our daughters are making a name for themselves in every field.' The event, coinciding with the festival of Tulsi Vivah, saw devotees praying for the team's victory. The report highlights the deep connection between faith and sports in India, and frames the prayer as part of a broader celebration of women's empowerment, referencing their achievements in civil services, judiciary, and politics. The organisers have also planned to distribute sweets and celebrate on a large scale upon the team's victory.
This special report focuses on the second edition of the Kashmir Marathon, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department in Srinagar, which saw participation from hundreds of international and local athletes. A participant captured the spirit of the event, stating, 'I just enjoy with my friends here... because of you know people came from across here. That's why I joined to this.' The marathon, featuring 42 km and 21 km categories, is a significant initiative to boost tourism and project a message of peace and normalcy. It gains particular importance as it is one of the biggest events in the valley held after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The event aims to showcase Kashmir's resilience and strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
As the Indian women's cricket team prepares for the ICC Women's World Cup final against South Africa, excitement fills the air in Kanpur. Fans gather with flags and chants, expressing their faith in the team's form and spirit.
On this India Today Special Report, the focus is on the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa, with legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar sharing his expert analysis. My heart says India, but my mind says to me, you know that, don't forget that the South African men's team won the world championship... so 2025 is a year which has been good for South Africa in cricket,' Gavaskar commented on the tense final. The discussion delves deep into crucial factors like the toss, weather conditions in Navi Mumbai, and the strategic dilemmas facing the Indian team. Gavaskar weighs in on the playing XI, backing the explosive Shafali Verma to open the innings, and analyzes the bowling combination, highlighting the pros and cons of different spinners against a powerful South African batting lineup. The report captures the excitement around a historic final that will crown a first-time world champion.
This special report from India Today focuses on the Women's Cricket World Cup final between India and South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where unpredictable weather threatens to disrupt the historic match. A fan on the ground noted, 'The good thing that we have 2 new teams in the final, India and South Africa. Something different than every time we see Australia or England, so. Yes, it is going to be a. Great contest'. The coverage captures the immense excitement among fans, with correspondent Khushi Gupta speaking to locals and the dedicated Bharat Army fan group. Key figures like Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and South African star Marizanne Kapp are central to the contest. Despite the looming rain, which has been intermittent, supporters remain hopeful of seeing India clinch its maiden World Cup title on home soil, creating a tense and electrifying atmosphere.
IND vs SA, Women's World Cup final: India all-rounder Deepti Sharma's mother sent a motivational message to the entire ODI side, amping them up to play with their utmost passion in the Women's World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on November 2.
Women's World Cup, IND vs SA: In the pre-match press conference, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt said that India are expected to win the final and hence, they will be under pressure to perform at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Women's World Cup 2025, IND vs SA: Harmanpreet Kaur spoke about India's upcoming clash against South Africa on Sunday, saying it's a huge motivation for the team to play the grand finale on home soil.
IND vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Speaking to the press after hitting a fifty in India's defeat in Melbourne, opener Abhishek Sharma said he was not surprised to see Harshit Rana chip in with the bat. Abhishek also backed India to win the Women's World Cup on Sunday in Navi Mumbai.
This special report focuses on the Indian women's cricket team's historic World Cup semi-final win against Australia, with insights from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar on the stellar performances by Jemima Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur. Mr. Gavaskar hailed the record-breaking chase, stating, 'It was exhilarating, absolutely, and thrilling, absolutely thrilling.' The analysis delves into Jemima Rodrigues' magnificent unbeaten century and her crucial partnership with Captain Harmanpreet Kaur that powered India to chase down a mammoth target of 339. Gavaskar highlights Jemima's all-round contribution, including critical fielding, and her mental fortitude, having been dropped earlier in the tournament. The report also covers Gavaskar's view that this victory signals the 'coming of age' for the team and his personal promise to sing a duet with Jemima if India lifts the trophy.
Psychiatrist Dr. Shyam Bhat discusses the larger significance of cricketer Jemima Rodrigues' recent statements on mental health. Dr. Bhat states, 'she actually redefined what strength actually means...you should be in touch with your feelings. A certain vulnerability is required in order actually to be strong.' The conversation explores how Rodrigues represents a new generation that is more open about mental health challenges. Dr. Bhat also addresses why women are often more vocal about their struggles, the societal pressure on men to suppress vulnerability, and the shift in organisations towards valuing empathic leadership over traditional command-and-control structures. The interview highlights resilience, the importance of seeking support, and the changing narrative around mental wellness in India, both in sports and corporate life.
Women's World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar credited Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur for playing smart cricket and guiding India to a record breaking win over Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-final.
Australia captain Alyssa Healy lauded Jemimah Rodrigues's mental resilience after the Indian batter's match-winning unbeaten 127 helped script a historic run chase in the Women's World Cup semi-final in Navi Mumbai. Jemimah's composed century powered India to a record 339-run chase, sealing a five-wicket win over defending champions Australia on Thursday.
Women's World Cup: India's semi-final hero, Jemimah Rodrigues, emphasised that, through her fearless 127, she never thought about her own score rather just wanted to guide her side to the win from the get-go.
This special report covers the Indian women's cricket team's sensational victory over seven-time champions Australia to enter the World Cup final, focusing on key players Jemima Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Rajdeep Sardesai called the performance, 'truly one of the great chases in world cricket'. In a stunning display, India achieved the highest-ever run chase in women's ODI history, successfully gunning down a mammoth target of 340. The victory was built on an unbeaten 127 by Jemima Rodrigues and a crucial 89 from Harmanpreet Kaur. The program features in-depth analysis from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and India Today's consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai, breaking down the turning points of the match and what this win means for Indian cricket. India will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday.
This special report features the inspiring story of Delhi Police Constable Sonika Yadav, who won a bronze medal at the All India Police Weightlifting event in Andhra Pradesh while seven months pregnant. Sonika, who lifted a combined weight of 145 kilograms, said, 'I don't want pregnancy to be taken as a setback or something that stops women from doing something. It is normal and I wanted to set an example'. Serving in the force since 2014, she carefully balanced her rigorous training with medical supervision, with the full support of her family and the Delhi Police. Her remarkable achievement has sparked conversations about the possibilities for pregnant women in professional sports and has made her a symbol of strength and resilience, proving that motherhood and ambition can go hand in hand.
Women's World Cup: Australia head coach believes that there are no favourites in the semi-final. Shelley Nitschke, speaking in the press conference said that Australia were wary of India's batting depth.
