The stage was set, the rain had passed, and history beckoned. As the Indian women’s cricket team lined up under the Navi Mumbai lights for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final, the atmosphere turned electric
— and then, suddenly, still.
After South Africa’s anthem faded, Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan stepped up for a moment that would transcend sport.
Her soulful, spine-tingling rendition of the Indian national anthem filled the stadium, sending chills across 40,000 fans and millions watching at home.
Every note rang with emotion. In the stands, fans stood tall: hands on hearts, some with tears streaming down their faces. On the field, the Indian players, moments away from the biggest game of their lives, looked visibly moved. Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates stood shoulder to shoulder, eyes glistening, their pride unmistakable.
It wasn’t just an anthem — it was a collective heartbeat.
India stands for India! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/kMXCrB6Xf7
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 2, 2025
“It’s an honour to be performing at the Women’s World Cup,” Chauhan had said before the match. “With India in the final and the stands packed with fans, I knew the atmosphere would be electric. It’s a day we’ll all remember for a long time.”
And it was. The anthem ended with a roar that shook the stands, a thunderous declaration of unity and belief.
Soon after, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and chose to bowl first. But by then, the emotional tone had been set — this was more than a cricket final. It was a celebration of what it means to wear blue, to sing together, and to believe together.
Playing XIs
India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (w), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani and Renuka Singh Thakur.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (w), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba.
