It’s time for the ICC Women’s World Cup final between hosts India and South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Sunday — and there’s a distinct buzz across the country after the hosts’ miraculous chase against Australia in the semifinal.
With neither Australia nor England in the title clash, women’s ODI cricket is guaranteed a new champion when the trophy is lifted at the D.Y. Patil Stadium tomorrow evening.
Can India Be Third-Time Lucky?
Harmanpreet Kaur & Co will be chasing history, aiming to go one step further after finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017. Standing in their way are Laura Wolvaardt’s spirited South Africans, who stunned England in the semifinal — a dramatic turnaround after being bowled out for just 69 against the same opponents in the league stage.
For Woorkeri Raman, former India opener and ex-head coach of the women’s team, there’s no doubt about which side holds the edge.
It’s advantage India, there are no two ways about it — especially after two fantastic wins. I’m very optimistic about history being made tomorrow. Beating Australia — something that’s almost impossible in knockouts — gives this team tremendous belief. There’s no stopping them now.
I’m not underestimating South Africa — they’ve been extremely competitive over the last three years. But it’s not quite the same as facing Australia in a final. They have good cricketers, yes, but they’re not unbeatable by any stretch of imagination.
Raman, who has also served as a batting mentor in the IPL and coached the India Under-19 team, believes India’s experience and momentum make them the favourites.
Jemimah’s Evolution: From Prospect to Matchwinner
In the past 48 hours, Jemimah Rodrigues has become the toast of the nation after her match-winning unbeaten 127 in Thursday’s semifinal. Once seen as a promising but inconsistent batter, Jemimah has now firmly established herself as a dependable matchwinner at No. 3.
She’s been a work in progress. Over the last three years, she has evolved tremendously. Yes, she made mistakes that even cost her a place in the side, but remember she debuted very young. What stood out was her hunger to take responsibility for India. As her innings showed, she now knows how to find gaps, build partnerships, and finish games.
Both Teams Battled Through Hiccups
Both India and South Africa have endured rollercoaster campaigns. India’s three-match slump against South Africa, Australia, and England had put their qualification hopes in jeopardy, while South Africa’s campaign began disastrously when they were bundled out by England for 69. Their revenge win in the semifinal, beating England by 125 runs, was poetic justice for Wolvaardt’s side.
‘You Can’t Be Perfect, But Timing Matters’
Despite India’s run to the final, concerns remain over their inexperienced pace attack and inconsistent fielding. Raman, however, urged fans and players alike to focus on the positives.
You can’t be flawless in sport. Yes, the team should minimise mistakes, but the fact is they’ve hit their stride at the right time. Let’s hope history will be created on Sunday.
