WATCH: Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav console Marizanne Kapp after India clinches Women’s World Cup 2025

The Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai had just witnessed history. The roar was deafening, the confetti was blue and tricolor, and the Indian women’s cricket team were, for the first time, world champions. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated ecstasy—the peak of a sporting career.

Yet, amidst the electric chaos of India’s maiden Women’s World Cup triumph, the truest measure of their victory lay not in the final 52-run margin, but in a quiet, profound moment of shared humanity.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav console Marizanne Kapp

While the Indian team embraced, eyes naturally turned to the South African stars, the valiant runners-up. They had played their hearts out, only to fall short, and the visible heartbreak was palpable. Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, appearing in her fifth ODI World Cup, was among the most distraught, the weight of a missed opportunity heavy on her shoulders.

It was here that the celebration momentarily paused. Two of the newly crowned champions, Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav, broke away from their teammates’ celebrations and walked towards the dejected South African star. This simple act of consolation—an embrace, a few whispered words of comfort—was not merely a gesture of general sportsmanship; it was a deeply personal moment.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: PM Modi, Neeraj Chopra, SS Rajamouli and others join celebrations after India’s historic Women’s World Cup 2025 win

The bonds of the WPL transcend borders

This context transforms the moment. Rodrigues, Radha, and Kapp aren’t just international rivals; they are Delhi Capitals teammates, sharing a dressing room, strategies, and the pressures of the WPL for three successful seasons, including multiple final appearances. The strength of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) bond shone brightly in that instant.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the match, India, after being asked to bat first, posted 298/7 in their allotted 50 overs. Shafali Verma sizzled with the bat scoring 87 runs off 78 balls. Deepti Sharma also contributed well with 58 runs. In response, the Proteas did show impressive fight, especially their captain Laura Wolvaardt (101), who scored a tremendous century. However, they fell short by 52 runs as India clinched their maiden title.

Also READ: BCCI announces a whopping cash prize for India’s Women’s World Cup-winning team

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.