The top 5 moments of the ICC Women’s World Cup : A tournament that transcended beyond the stereotypical boundaries of gender.

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 wasn’t just a tournament, it was a statement. A dismissive statement for all the naysayers of women’s cricket to stand up and take notice that like the men’s tournament, they also should be noticed. From the opening game, the tournament set the tone and what followed was riveting action between bat and ball and ultimately ended in a final for the ages.

Even though the tournament was filled with thrilling moments there are 5 moments according to me that defined the world cup. These 5 moments not only lit up the world cup but also took it several notches above the men’s world cup as all of India sat up and took notice as the women in blue scripted history.

5 :Bangladesh, the new chokers.

How can you choke when you require 12 of 12 when you have 6 wickets in hand. Well, ask Bangladesh. Chasing 202, they needed 9’of the last 6 with 6 wickets in hand, but they stumbled so bad, they were eventually eliminated in the process as they lost by 7 runs. Sri Lanka pulled off a heist and their qualification hung by a thread and yet again, Bangladesh choked on the big stage.

4: New Zealand face the Gardener’s Wrath.

In the league game against their arch rivals Australia, New Zealand had them at 128/5.  Enter Ash Gardner. The all rounder lost a stunning counter attack as she found help in the lower order and scored a terrific 105 of just 63 and helped Australia post a formidable score of 326. Sophie Molineux and Annabelle Sutherland then wrapped proceedings as once again, Australia came up with a way to counter New Zealand in a world cup game.

3 : South Africa reverse chokers tag on India.

In the league game between hosts India and South Africa, the hosts put up a decent score of 251/8 as Richa Ghosh scored a blistering 94 of just 77 to bail India out of trouble. She was helped by a cameo from Sneh Rana as the hosts finished well. Despite Laura Wolvaardt's competent 70, the Proteas women needed 52 of the last 30 balls. Enter Nadine De Klerk. Along with Chloe Tryon, she scored an absolutely riveting 84 to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat which put a halt to India’s winning run and the rainbow nation were finally able to reverse the chokers tag in a world cup game.

2 : A JEM FROM JEMIMAH 

The 2017 semi final was the last time India beat Australia in a world cup game. Post that, the Aussie women had not lost a single world cup game. Coming into the semi final too, they were unbeaten and in the game, they scored a mammoth 338 thanks to Phoebe Litchfield, who scored an absolute eye catching 119. The Aussies being Aussies, they backed themselves to play yet another World cup final till Jemimah Rodrigues arrived.  The remarkable stat of not losing a single world cup game was overshadowed by a remarkable 127 not out as she along with Harmanpreet, Richa and Amanjyot not only knocked the Aussies out, but also converted her critics into her biggest fans. 

1 : Shefali Varma - The ultimate impact player.

Picture this. 20 days ago, Shefali Verma was playing a domestic T20 game in Baroda. She is called up as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who twists her ankle and is ruled out of the tournament.  Though she was nipped out early in the semi final, she decides to light up the final After a delay of two hours, Shefali comes out and scores

a stroke filled 87 to help India post a competitive total of 298. But she wasn’t done yet. When South Africa were threatening to take the game away, Harman tosses the ball to Shefali, who nipped out Sunne Luus and Marizane Kapp to make sure that the momentum was broken. As life came full circle for Harmanpreet Kaur, she took the final catch as the Indian Women, having overcome taunts, trolls and heartbreaks, finally lifted the ICC Women’s ODI World cup at home.