ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final: Smriti Mandhana Shatters Mithali Raj’s 8-Year Record Against South Africa

Navi Mumbai: In the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final held on Sunday (November 2), India faced South Africa at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. For India, opener Smriti Mandhana played an impressive innings. She scored 58 runs off 45 balls, which included 8 fours. Mandhana was dismissed by spinner Chloe Tryon, caught by wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta. Along with Shafali Verma, she built a strong 104-run partnership for the first wicket. During her 45-run innings, Smriti achieved a major milestone. She became the highest run-scorer for India in a single edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup.

How Did Smriti Break Mithali Raj’s Record?

Smriti Mandhana broke the long-standing record of former Indian captain Mithali Raj. Mithali had scored 409 runs in 9 innings during the 2017 World Cup. Before the final, Smriti already had 389 runs, which meant she needed just 21 more runs to surpass Mithali’s tally. Mandhana achieved this feat during the first innings of the final match itself. By the end of the tournament, Smriti had played 9 innings, scoring 434 runs at an average of 54.25. Her performance included one century and two half-centuries. Only South African captain Laura Wolvaardt has scored more runs than her in this World Cup.

Who Are India’s Top Scorers in a World Cup Edition?

Smriti Mandhana – 434 runs (9 innings, 2025)
Mithali Raj – 409 runs (9 innings, 2017)
Poonam Raut – 381 runs (9 innings, 2017)
Harmanpreet Kaur – 359 runs (8 innings, 2017)
Smriti Mandhana – 327 runs (7 innings, 2022)

What Happened at the Toss?

In the final, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and chose to bowl first, considering the possibility of rain and dew later in the match. India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur also wanted to bowl first, but her team had to bat after losing the toss.