Key Points:
- India won their maiden Women’s World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs on November 2, 2025
- Richa Ghosh scored 235 runs in eight innings at a tournament-best strike rate of 133.52
- Cricket Association of Bengal will honor her with gold-plated bat and ball at Eden Gardens on November 8
- The commemorative items will be signed by Sourav Ganguly and Jhulan Goswami
- Richa set multiple records including most sixes by an Indian in a single World Cup edition (12 sixes)
India’s women’s cricket team achieved a historic milestone on November 2, 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the Women’s World Cup final at Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The co-hosts posted a formidable 298/7 in 50 overs, India’s highest score in any World Cup final and the second-highest in Women’s ODI World Cup final history. South Africa’s chase ended at 246 in 45.3 overs, with spinner Deepti Sharma claiming 5 wickets for 39 runs to seal India’s first-ever ICC title.
The victory marked redemption for captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who had experienced two previous final defeats. Opening batter Shafali Verma, brought in as an injury replacement, delivered a career-defining 87 runs from 78 balls, while Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance proved decisive. The triumph came after India defeated the defending champions and seven-time winners, Australia, by five wickets in the semifinals, demonstrating the team’s resilience under pressure.
Richa Ghosh’s Tournament-Defining Performance
Richa Ghosh emerged as one of India’s most impactful performers throughout the tournament, amassing 235 runs from eight innings while maintaining a blistering strike rate of 133.52, the highest among all batters in the 2025 World Cup. The wicketkeeper-batter finished among India’s top five run-scorers, delivering crucial contributions in high-pressure situations. Her ability to accelerate in the death overs became a signature weapon, with Richa scoring 165 runs between overs 41-50 more than any other player in the tournament.
In the semifinal against Australia, Richa scored 26 runs from just 16 deliveries, providing the late-innings impetus that propelled India to victory. She followed this with a vital 34 runs from 24 balls in the final, ensuring India reached a commanding total. Her fearless approach and composure under pressure exemplified the fighting spirit that defined India’s campaign.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Richa Ghosh shattered multiple records during the tournament, most notably surpassing captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s record of 11 sixes in a single World Cup edition set in 2017. Richa smashed 12 sixes throughout the 2025 tournament, equaling the overall record held by Adriana Dottin from 2013. She also recorded the highest strike rate among batters scoring 185 or more runs, finishing with a strike rate of 171 during the death overs, significantly ahead of South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk (160.81) and India’s Jemimah Rodrigues (146.66).
Her ability to clear boundaries consistently and accelerate scoring in critical phases made her an invaluable asset. Richa’s aggressive batting style challenged conventional approaches to women’s cricket, demonstrating that explosive power-hitting could be sustained at the highest level of international competition.
Cricket Association of Bengal Plans Grand Felicitation
The Cricket Association of Bengal announced plans to honor Richa Ghosh with a specially crafted gold-plated bat and ball at a grand ceremony scheduled for November 8, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium. The commemorative items will be signed by CAB President and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, alongside women’s cricket legend Jhulan Goswami, symbolizing Bengal’s rich cricketing heritage and commitment to nurturing talent.
CAB President Sourav Ganguly praised Richa’s achievements, stating, “Richa Ghosh has shown remarkable talent, composure, and fighting spirit on the world stage. Honouring her with this gold bat and ball is a small token of our appreciation for her extraordinary contribution to Indian cricket. She is an inspiration for every young cricketer in Bengal and across the country.” The felicitation celebrates Richa’s remarkable journey from Siliguri to becoming one of India’s brightest cricketing stars.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The CAB’s recognition extends beyond individual achievement, emphasizing Richa’s role as a beacon for aspiring women cricketers across Bengal and India. Her success story rising from Siliguri to the world stage demonstrates the possibilities available to young talent when supported by robust infrastructure and institutional commitment. The association reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing emerging players and celebrating excellence in cricket, reinforcing Bengal’s proud legacy in Indian cricket.
Richa’s fearless batting approach and unwavering dedication have resonated particularly strongly with young female cricketers, offering a template for success built on aggressive intent, technical proficiency, and mental fortitude. Her performance in the World Cup has elevated her status from promising talent to established match-winner, ensuring her influence will shape Indian women’s cricket for years to come.
