History will be made at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday when hosts India take on South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. Whatever the outcome, women’s cricket will have a new world champion — as neither team has ever lifted the trophy.
It is also the first World Cup final without Australia or England, the two powerhouses who have shared 11 titles between them. The winner will become only the fourth team ever to win the women’s ODI crown, joining Australia, England, and New Zealand.
India Chase History, South Africa Eye First Glory
While South Africa make their maiden appearance in a 50-over World Cup final, India will be competing in their third, having fallen short in 2005 and 2017. Then led by Mithali Raj, India lost to Australia and England in those finals — but this time, the team under Harmanpreet Kaur appears hungrier than ever.
Both India and South Africa produced remarkable semifinal upsets to reach the summit. South Africa defeated four-time champions England, inspired by Laura Wolvaardt’s sparkling century. India stunned seven-time winners Australia with a record chase led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127.
We know how it feels to lose, but we’re ready to see how it feels to win: We’ve worked very hard for this moment, and tomorrow is about giving everything for the team.
Road to the Final: From Setbacks to Redemption
Neither side had a perfect campaign. South Africa began disastrously — bowled out for 69 against England and 97 against Australia — but recovered superbly to crush England by 125 runs in the semifinal.
India, meanwhile, started strong with two easy wins before enduring three straight losses to South Africa, Australia, and England — all from winning positions. They bounced back with a morale-boosting victory over New Zealand, sneaking into the semifinals as the fourth-placed team.
Both sides then flipped their narratives — avenging their group-stage losses in emphatic fashion — to set up a dream final.
New Heroes, New Belief
The tournament has showcased a new generation of match-winners for both sides. For India, Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud, and Jemimah Rodrigues have stepped up alongside Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, signalling a transition phase for Indian women’s cricket. Rodrigues’ career-defining 167-run partnership with her captain has already become part of cricketing folklore.
For South Africa, Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp have led from the front, while Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, and Nonkululeko Mlaba have emerged as match-winners in crucial moments. Sunday’s clash could redefine the landscape — proving that World Cup finals are no longer the domain of Australia and England, but a stage open to fearless, rising teams.
Mind Games and Match Conditions
While India enjoy home advantage and have played four consecutive matches at Navi Mumbai — winning all — South Africa are yet to experience the venue this tournament.
It’s going to be very exciting, but it also puts pressure on them. They have the whole country behind them, so the expectation might work in our favour.
South Africa also benefit from an extra day’s rest, while India’s semifinal win came just three days earlier. Conditions in Navi Mumbai are expected to favour batters, with temperatures below 31°C and dew likely in the second innings. Showers are forecast after 5 pm, but a reserve day (Monday) is in place.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the trophy, the final represents a turning point in women’s cricket. For India, victory would be the culmination of two decades of near-misses. For South Africa, it would be a breakthrough moment that validates their rise as a world force.
Whatever the result, women’s cricket will emerge stronger, with Navi Mumbai set to witness a night of triumphs, tears, and transformation.
Probable Playing XIs: India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
