Government congratulates the Proteas Women’s cricket team for their outstanding performance in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final against India, praising their determination, skill, and fighting spirit.
Despite not winning the trophy, the government says they have made the nation proud and expresses sincere gratitude to Captain Laura Wolvaardt, Head Coach Mandla Mashimbyi, and the technical team for their leadership and dedication.
“Reaching the final is a historic milestone that will continue to inspire future generations of women in sport. Government also thanks all South Africans who rallied behind the team by wearing green and gold, watching the match, and cheering them on. The Proteas Women remain true champions in the hearts of the nation, and Government congratulates the team on their outstanding journey to the final.”
Congratulations to the host nation, India, on winning their first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Our Proteas Women showed their #Unbreakable spirit throughout the tournament and your unwavering support carried them every step of the way. 💪
Tomorrow, we rise and go again.… pic.twitter.com/L5VKrhWm3K
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) November 2, 2025
India has been crowned ICC Women’s World Cup Champions for the first time, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set the tone with an explosive 104-run partnership – the highest against South Africa in this tournament.
Sharma also went on to score a half-century, her 18th in One Day cricket. Richca Ghosh smashed a cameo 34 from 24 deliveries, while Sharma finished unbeaten on a run-a-ball 58 that lifted India to 298 for the loss of seven wickets.
South Africa’s openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, made a circumspect but solid start to their chase with a 51-run opening partnership. Brits were the first casualty of the innings needlessly run out for 23with a direct hit from Amanjot Kaur.
Anneke Bosch followed a few overs later — trapped leg before by spinner Shree Charani for a duck — and the Proteas wobbled on 62 for two. Once again leading from the front, Wolvaardt at the other end recorded her 39th ODI half-century.
She shared in a 52-run third-wicket partnership with Sune Luus and just as they looked set to take on the Indian bowlers Kaur threw the ball to part-time spinner Verma.
And she delivered dismissing Luus for 25 and then following that up with the scalp of Marizanne Kapp for four reducing the Proteas to 123 for four in the 23rd over.
Annerie Derkson joined Wolvaardt in a crucial 61-run fifth wicket partnership taking the Proteas past 200. But Sharma struck to remove Derkson for a cameo 35.
Continuing her captain’s knock, Wolvaardt went on to convert her 50 to a superb century her 11th ton in ODI cricket but South Africa still needed 88 more runs from 60 deliveries.
Sadly, for Proteas fans, the skipper was dismissed for a better than a run-a-ball 101 soon after the milestone and Tryon was trapped leg before for nine in the same Sharma over and South Africa slumped to 221 for the loss of eight wickets.
Not even the big-hitting Nadine de Klerk could stop India’s charge in the dying overs. The Proteas were eventually bundled out for 246 handing India a 52-run victory and their maiden Women’s World Cup title.
Congratulations, ladies! You showed up, you worked hard and you have made the country proud. Thank you, Proteas Women.#Unbreakable #CWC25 #SportsDiplomacy #FlyTheSAFlag🇿🇦
📷: @ProteasWomenCSA pic.twitter.com/o68yY5eIoi
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 2, 2025
VIDEO | Cricket World Cup | Proteas Women ready for high-stakes World Cup final
