Key Takeaways
- India faces South Africa in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final at DY Patil Stadium
- Both teams seek their first-ever World Cup trophy
- India aims to overcome past final heartbreaks from 2005 and 2017
- South Africa enters their third consecutive ICC final
India stands on the brink of cricketing history as they prepare to face South Africa in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final at a sold-out DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The home team seeks their maiden World Cup title after heartbreaking losses in the 2005 and 2017 finals.
From Shadows to Spotlight
The transformation of women’s cricket in India has been remarkable. In 2005, when Mithali Raj led India in the final against Australia, the tournament received minimal attention. The Board of Control for Cricket in India wasn’t even officially connected to the women’s team then.
Today, the scenario has completely changed. The stadium will be packed with passionate fans, representing two decades of growth for women’s cricket in the country.
Harmanpreet’s Redemption Chance
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, likely playing her final ODI World Cup, carries the hopes of a nation seeking redemption. The 2017 final loss to England at Lord’s remains particularly painful – India needed just 38 runs from 44 balls with seven wickets in hand but collapsed dramatically.
Now, Harmanpreet has the opportunity to transform years of near-misses into ultimate glory and create a legacy similar to the 1983 men’s World Cup triumph.
Historical Context and Pressure
India hasn’t beaten South Africa in an ODI World Cup since 2005, with the Proteas winning their last three encounters. Earlier in this tournament, South Africa snatched victory from India’s grasp in Vizag thanks to Nadine de Klerk’s late flourish.
Both teams face immense pressure as neither has ever lifted the World Cup trophy. For South Africa, this marks their third consecutive ICC final after losses in the 2023 T20 World Cup and 2024 tournament.
Team Form and Key Players
India’s journey to the final has been resilient. After three consecutive losses, they bounced back strongly, capped by a spectacular five-wicket victory over Australia in Navi Mumbai built on Jemimah Rodrigues’ century.
South Africa recovered from a 10-wicket drubbing against England to win five straight matches. Their semifinal victory over England featured Laura Wolvaardt’s magnificent 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s five-wicket haul.
Captain’s Corner
“Well, I think when you are at a stage like this, playing the final match of the World Cup, I don’t think there can be a bigger motivation than this. The entire team is fully charged up. They are standing with each other and are giving each other prayers and blessings,” Harmanpreet said in the press-conference.
“I think that shows how much this team is with each other and how ready we are for this match. Now it’s only about giving your best, strategy and everything. It’s not that we have reached the final and we have to do all this today. We have been doing this from last two years,” Harmanpreet added.
Mind Games Begin
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt has already started psychological warfare, suggesting the home crowd pressure might work against India.
“It’s going to be a very exciting opportunity but at the same time I think it puts a lot of pressure on them as well. They have the whole country behind them and are sort of expected to win. I guess so. Yeah, I think it sort of plays in our favour hopefully,” Wolvaardt said.
However, recent performances indicate Harmanpreet’s team thrives under pressure rather than wilting from it.
Match Information
Head-to-Head Record
- Overall: Matches – 34, India – 20, South Africa – 13, No Result – 1
- World Cups: Matches – 6, India – 3, South Africa – 3, No Result – 0
Pitch Report
The DY Patil Stadium pitch is expected to be batting-friendly with an average score around 285. India previously scored 340 here against New Zealand and achieved the highest successful run chase at this venue during the semifinals.
Match Details
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Time: 3:00 PM IST
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Livestream: JioHotstar app
Probable Playing XIs
India Women: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
A victory for India would not just be another trophy but a transformative moment for women’s cricket, inspiring generations of young girls across the country to pursue the sport professionally.
