New Delhi,jan 1
The Indian Women’s cricket team scripted history in 2025, producing one of the most remarkable comebacks the game has ever witnessed to clinch their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title.From being written off midway through the tournament to lifting the trophy, it was a year that redefined belief, resilience and Indian women’s cricket. India’s World Cup journey began on a shaky note.
Three consecutive defeats in the middle of the tournament, first against South Africa, then Australia, and finally England, left the team staring at an exit.With momentum completely against them, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side needed nothing short of a miracle to stay alive in the competition. That turning point arrived against New Zealand, when they defeated them by 53 runs.Later, in the semi-finals facing Australia, India produced a record run chase of 339 against Australia in semifinals, which turned out to be the biggest run chase by a team in a World Cup knockout match against any opposition across men’s and women’s tournaments.Overall in 2025, India played 23 ODIs, winning 15, losing seven, with one no result, finishing the year with an impressive win percentage of 65.22. The numbers reflected consistency, but the moments reflected character.At the heart of India’s historic year was Smriti Mandhana, who enjoyed one of the greatest calendar years by an Indian batter. In 23 ODIs, Mandhana scored 1362 runs at an average of 61.90 and a staggering strike rate of 109.92, smashing five centuries and five half-centuries. She finished as the highest run-scorer in ODIs in 2025.
