From Harmanpreet’s stunning catch to Devine’s emotional farewell: Memorable moments from the Women’s World Cup

Women’s World Cup 2025: From record crowds to heart-stirring moments — how India’s maiden triumph defined a new era.

The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup wasn’t just a tournament — it was a landmark in the evolution of women’s cricket. Held across India, the event delivered drama, records, and moments that will echo for years to come. India’s first-ever title win, sealed at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, crowned a month that celebrated both excellence and emotion on a global stage.

A World Cup that broke boundaries

From its opening match, the tournament shattered records. The India–Sri Lanka clash in Guwahati drew 22,843 fans — the largest crowd ever for a Women’s World Cup group game. Television and digital viewership skyrocketed, with over 60 million tuning in within the first two weeks — five times more than in 2022.

The India–Pakistan encounter on October 5 made history as the most-watched women’s cricket match ever, pulling 28.4 million viewers and clocking nearly two billion minutes of watch time. The India–Australia match later drew a record 4.8 million concurrent viewers online.

Iconic moments that defined the tournament

Harmanpreet’s flying catch that sealed the dream
In the final over of the World Cup Final, with South Africa still fighting, Harmanpreet Kaur sprinted back and leapt full-length to dismiss Nadine de Klerk. The Dr DY Patil crowd fell silent — then erupted. That catch not only ended South Africa’s hopes but also delivered India’s long-awaited World Cup glory.

Sophie Devine’s emotional farewell
New Zealand’s legendary captain Sophie Devine bowed out of ODIs after her side’s final match in Visakhapatnam. England and New Zealand players formed a guard of honour as she walked off — a fitting tribute to a career spanning 19 years, 4,000+ runs, and 100+ wickets. Her farewell was less about stats, more about the indomitable spirit she brought to the game.

Jemimah Rodrigues’ tears of triumph
In the semi-final against Australia, Jemimah Rodrigues produced a chase for the ages — an unbeaten 127 in India’s record pursuit of 339. As the final run was scored, Jemimah collapsed to her knees in tears — a symbol of redemption and resolve after years of heartbreak. Her innings, supported by Harmanpreet’s 89, became the heartbeat of India’s campaign.

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s ‘cradle’ celebration
England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt’s century against Sri Lanka wasn’t just another record-breaking knock. After reaching 100, she lifted her bat like a baby in a tender tribute to her son, Theo. The image of a champion mother celebrating her dual worlds — family and cricket — went viral, epitomizing the emotional core of the tournament.

Moments of compassion after the final
When the confetti settled in Navi Mumbai, Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav were seen consoling their friend and rival Marizanne Kapp. Smriti Mandhana hugged Laura Wolvaardt — the tournament’s top scorer — in quiet admiration. Those gestures of empathy transcended rivalry, embodying the sport’s finest values.