The grand finale of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has turned into a historic celebration of cricket at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, where India and South Africa are locking horns for the coveted title. The atmosphere inside the packed stadium is nothing short of electric, with thousands of fans waving the tricolour and chanting in support of the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side.
Adding to the excitement and emotional fervour, several legends of Indian men’s cricket were spotted in the stands, cheering passionately for Team India. Their presence has made the contest even more special, as the country’s cricket icons came together to support the women’s team on their biggest stage.
Indian cricket royalty in attendance
As the cameras panned across the stands during India’s innings, the crowd erupted in applause when Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar appeared on the big screen. Both legends, dressed casually, were seen smiling and applauding India’s strong start with the bat.
Rohit, the former Indian men’s captain, looked completely engrossed in the game, while Tendulkar — the ‘God of Cricket’ himself — waved to the crowd after being spotted. Moments later, veteran commentators and former players Sunil Gavaskar and VVS Laxman were also seen enjoying the high-stakes encounter, joining the chorus of support for the Women in Blue.
Here’s the video:
Full house in Navi Mumbai for the ultimate showdown
The DY Patil Stadium, hosting its first-ever Women’s World Cup final, witnessed a full house with an ocean of blue flooding the stands. Fans of all ages turned up with banners, flags, and painted faces, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of India’s biggest cricketing nights.
The final has not only drawn fans but also underlined how women’s cricket in India has grown exponentially in recent years. The sight of Tendulkar, Rohit, Gavaskar, and Laxman cheering for the team is being hailed as a defining image of India’s cricketing unity — bridging generations and inspiring the next wave of players.
Shafali and Deepti guide India to a competitive total
Earlier in the day, Shafali Verma led the charge for India with a magnificent 87 off 78 balls, striking 7 fours and 2 sixes in her record-breaking knock. She was well supported by Deepti Sharma, who scored a composed 58, while Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34) chipped in with vital runs as India managed to post 297/8 in 50 overs.
For South Africa, pacer Ayabonga Khaka was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets to restrict India’s surge in the death overs.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
