What this is about: How the Indian Women's Cricket Team winning the World Cup in November 2025 turned this non-cricket fan into someone who now owns three jerseys and cries during match highlights. This is a celebration of incredible women, unexpected friendships, and discovering that sports can actually be fun when you give them a chance!
When I Accidentally Became a Cricket Fan
So here's something I never thought I'd say: I, Priya Sharma, 29-year-old Mumbai girl who thought cricket was boring, spent November 3rd, 2025 screaming at my TV at 6 AM wearing a Harmanpreet Kaur jersey.
Let me back up. Three months ago, my friend Shruti invited me to watch a women's cricket match at a sports bar in Lower Parel. I almost said no because honestly? Cricket always seemed like one of those things everyone pretended to understand but actually just watched for the snacks.
But I went. And oh my god, I'm so glad I did.
That first match was India vs Australia in August. I spent the first half confused about what was happening and the second half absolutely hooked. When Smriti Mandhana hit that six, the entire bar erupted, and I found myself cheering for someone I'd just learned about twenty minutes ago.
The moment I knew I was hooked: When I got home and immediately Googled "how does cricket work" and then spent two hours watching YouTube videos. At 1 AM. On a work night.
How This Team Made Cricket Actually Fun
I think what got me was how real these women felt. Like, I've watched sports before, but this was different. Maybe because they're not plastered on every billboard, so learning about them felt like discovering something special.
Why I Fell in Love with Women's Cricket:
- The underdog energy: They're not getting the same coverage or pay as men's cricket, but they play with this incredible fire that's just magnetic to watch.
- The team chemistry: You can see they genuinely like each other! The celebrations, the on-field huddles – it all feels authentic.
- The skill level: Okay, once I actually understood the game, I realized these women are INSANELY talented. Like, world-class athletes doing things I can't even comprehend.
- The representation: Seeing women who look like us, from cities like ours, achieving at this level? That hits different.
- The commentary: Finally hearing female commentators who know what they're talking about made such a difference in how accessible the game felt.
By September, I'd become that person. Setting 5 AM alarms for matches. Learning all the rules. Buying my first cricket jersey (Harmanpreet's #28, obviously). My parents were genuinely confused.
The World Cup Journey: September to November 2025
October 8th: World Cup Begins!
First match against New Zealand. I took a half-day from work (don't tell my boss – wait, he's probably not reading this). Watched it with my dad, which was surreal because he's been watching cricket his whole life and suddenly I'm the one explaining who Renuka Singh is.
India won by 58 runs. Renuka took 5 wickets. I may have cried a little. Dad definitely noticed but pretended he didn't.
October 12-25: The Winning Streak
India went undefeated through group stages. Every match was nail-biting even when we were winning comfortably because I'm apparently now emotionally invested in people I've known for two months.
The WhatsApp group Shruti created for our cricket gang became my most active chat. We'd send live updates, memes, and way too many exclamation points. My notification settings were chaos but I loved it.
Also started following all the players on Instagram. Jemimah Rodrigues' stories are hilarious, by the way. She posts the best behind-the-scenes content.
November 1st: The Semi-Final Heart Attack
India vs England. I watched alone because I was too nervous to be around people. We were defending 178 and England was cruising at 156 for 4 with 4 overs left.
I stress-ate half a packet of glucose biscuits and kept applying **PRODUCT:Honey Lemon Lip Balm** because my lips were so dry from nervous breathing. (Mumbai's November weather doesn't help, and neither does watching high-stress cricket apparently.)
When Deepti Sharma took that final wicket and we won by 6 runs, I screamed so loud my neighbor's dog started barking. Worth it.
November 3rd: THE FINAL
This deserves its own section because wow.
The Day India Won the World Cup
November 3rd, 2025. Melbourne Cricket Ground. India vs Australia in the final. I woke up at 5 AM without needing an alarm, which is basically a miracle.
Fifteen of us crammed into Shruti's apartment in Andheri. We made poha, bought way too many samosas, and I brought my lucky cushion (yes, I'd developed a lucky cushion by this point – don't judge me).
Australia batted first and scored 263. We all went quiet. That's a huge total. But then Smriti and Shafali walked out to open, and something just felt right.
What followed was basically three hours of screaming, crying, hugging, and forgetting to breathe.
Smriti's Magic
Smriti Mandhana scored 96 runs and made it look easy. Every boundary had us on our feet. When she got out 4 runs short of a century, we were devastated, but she'd already given us the perfect platform.
Harmanpreet's Masterclass
Then Harmanpreet Kaur walked in and played like she was possessed. 114 runs off 88 balls. She was hitting sixes like it was a casual practice session. We couldn't even form words anymore, just sounds.
The Final Over
12 runs needed off 6 balls. I covered my face with my lucky cushion. Couldn't watch. Neha was gripping my arm so hard I have a bruise. Everyone was either praying or crying or both.
Jemimah's Six
Jemimah Rodrigues hit the winning six with 2 balls to spare. We exploded. I've never heard humans make those sounds before. Pure joy, pure relief, pure pride. Shruti's neighbor banged on the wall. We didn't care.
Best moment: When they lifted the trophy and you could see Harmanpreet's hands shaking. This fierce, incredible player who'd just scored a century in a World Cup final was shaking while holding her dream. I lost it completely.
The Aftermath: Why This Win Matters
It's been three weeks since the win, and I'm still processing how much this affected me. In the best way possible.
Unexpected Changes in My Life:
At Work:
- More confident: I stopped underselling myself in meetings. If Harmanpreet can walk out to bat in a World Cup final, I can present my ideas without apologizing first.
- Better negotiation: Got a client to agree to my actual rates instead of accepting their lowball offer. Felt like hitting a six.
- Supporting other women: Started actively mentoring junior female colleagues. Paying it forward feels good.
Personal Life:
- New friendships: The cricket watching group has become actual friends. We're planning a trip to Goa next month!
- Family bonding: My dad and I now have something to discuss beyond "how's work." We watched the trophy presentation together and he got teary.
- Self-care upgrade: Started taking better care of myself without guilt. Using my **PRODUCT:Berry Baby Body Lotion** after every shower now because if world champions can prioritize recovery, I can moisturize properly.
- More active: Actually started playing cricket with friends on Sundays at Shivaji Park. I'm terrible but it's so fun!
The Fun Stuff: My Cricket Journey Highlights
My Jersey Collection
Started with one Harmanpreet jersey. Now I own three: Harmanpreet, Smriti, and Jemimah. Also bought the official World Cup winners' edition. My corporate wardrobe is very confused.
Cricket Vocabulary Upgrade
I can now confidently explain what a googly is! Also learned terms like "yorker," "bouncer," "maiden over" – my August self would be so confused by my current vocabulary.
Match Day Rituals
Developed a whole routine: wake up 30 minutes before match, make coffee, wear jersey, sit in same spot on couch, have lucky cushion ready. Did I mention the lucky cushion? It's orange. We won every match I watched with it.
Living Room Celebrations
Perfected the art of celebrating boundaries without disturbing neighbors. Spoiler: I failed at this. Multiple noise complaints. Zero regrets.
Questions Everyone Asks Me Now
So you actually like cricket now?
Yes! Genuinely! I set reminders for upcoming matches. I read cricket news. I have opinions about team selections. I'm as surprised as everyone else, but here we are.
Which player is your favorite?
Impossible to choose! But if forced: Harmanpreet for the leadership and clutch performances, Smriti for the elegance, and Jemimah for the personality and entertainment value on social media.
Will you watch men's cricket too now?
Maybe? I'm definitely more open to it now that I understand the game. But there's something special about the women's team that just hits different for me. The underdog story, the authenticity, the fact that I got to discover them.
Best way to get into women's cricket?
Just watch one match! Don't stress about understanding everything. The energy is infectious. Follow the players on Instagram, join cricket Twitter (or X, or whatever we're calling it now), find other fans. The community makes it so much more fun.
What's next for you and cricket?
I'm committed to watching the next series, not just World Cups. Real support means showing up for the less glamorous matches too. Also planning to attend a live match at Wankhede Stadium – bucket list item now!
Any regrets?
Only one: not discovering this sooner! But also, timing is everything. Maybe I needed to find it exactly when I did. Everything happens for a reason and all that.
What This Win Gave Me (Beyond Cricket Knowledge)
The real gift of this whole experience wasn't just learning about cricket. It was everything else that came with it.
The unexpected treasures:
- A new friend group that gets together every weekend now
- Quality time with my dad discussing something we both love
- Confidence that carried over into every part of my life
- Understanding that it's never too late to discover new passions
- The joy of watching women succeed at the highest level
- Proof that representation actually matters and changes things
- A really good excuse to eat samosas at 6 AM
Join the Celebration!
If you're reading this and thinking "maybe I should give women's cricket a chance," DO IT. You don't need to know the rules. You don't need to have watched cricket before. You just need to show up.
Here's how to start:
- Watch the next India women's match (check BCCI schedule)
- Follow the players on social media – they're actually fun!
- Find or start a cricket watching group (way more fun together)
- Don't stress about understanding everything at first
- Let yourself get excited and invested
- Celebrate women doing incredible things
- Buy a jersey (optional but highly recommended)
And remember: These women just won the World Cup. They're champions. They're incredible athletes. And they deserve all the support we can give them – not just during World Cups, but always.
Three Weeks Later: Still on This High
It's November 24th now, and I'm still wearing my World Cup winners' jersey around my apartment. The initial euphoria has settled into something deeper – a genuine love for the game and massive respect for these athletes.
My skincare routine has improved too, by the way. All those early mornings meant I needed to take better care of myself. Started using **PRODUCT:Bahaar Face Mist** throughout the day to stay fresh during long matches, and my **PRODUCT:Royal Velvet Body Lotion** before bed became part of my wind-down routine after intense games. Self-care and cricket fandom can coexist!
Looking forward: The next bilateral series starts in January 2026. I've already marked my calendar. This isn't a World Cup high that'll fade – this is a permanent upgrade to my interests and my life.
To the Indian Women's Cricket Team: Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and for showing us what's possible when women support women. You've earned every bit of celebration coming your way.
And to everyone who's been on this journey with me – especially the cricket watching gang and my very patient neighbors – thank you for making this even more special.
We are the champions, my friends! 🏆🇮🇳