Sunday in Navi Mumbai could be a historic day for Indian women’s cricket. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team is just one win away from becoming world champions — but even before the final, they are already champions in spirit.
When we talk about Indian cricket’s biggest moments, the 1983 World Cup win by Kapil Dev’s team always stands out. Back then, India defeated the mighty West Indies, shocking the cricket world and inspiring generations of players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. That victory changed Indian cricket forever.
Now, more than 40 years later, women’s cricket in India is seeing its own golden moment. The women’s team has come a long way — from being almost unknown to becoming global contenders. Before 2025, India had reached the Women’s World Cup finals twice: in 2005 and 2017. In the 2017 semifinal, Harmanpreet Kaur played a stunning unbeaten innings of 171 runs against Australia, which became one of the most iconic knocks in women’s cricket.
At 36, Harmanpreet now has the chance to do what no Indian women’s captain has done before — win the World Cup. A victory would not just bring the trophy home but also change the future of women’s cricket in India forever.
Thanks to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and support from the BCCI, women’s cricket in India is thriving. The sport has never been more popular or respected.
India has hosted the men’s and women’s World Cups 10 times in total, but only once — under MS Dhoni in 2011 — did India win. Harmanpreet Kaur now has the opportunity to join Dhoni in this elite group of World Cup-winning captains.
Standing in their way is South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt. Though South Africa struggled earlier in the tournament, they are a tough team — and the final promises to be a thrilling contest.
No matter the result, Harmanpreet’s team has already made India proud — showing the world that women’s cricket is powerful, passionate, and here to stay.
