The much-anticipated ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Final between India and South Africa began amid high drama and weather interruptions at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Despite rain delays, the game finally got underway, and India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set the tone with an explosive start.
After South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl first, India’s top order responded in style. Shafali Verma showcased her trademark aggression, striking multiple boundaries early on, while Smriti Mandhana played a steady hand at the other end.
India crossed the 50-run mark without loss, reaching 64/0, with both openers dominating South Africa’s pace duo of Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka.
At one stage, Shafali raced to 21 off 17 balls, peppering the field with cuts and drives through the off-side. Mandhana, more composed early on, began rotating the strike before unleashing her signature cover drives to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Pitch and Weather Report
Earlier, commentators Mel Jones and Dinesh Karthik described the surface as “batting-friendly with limited spin,” identical to the one used for the India–New Zealand semi-final. The outfield, though slightly damp, held up well after morning showers.
Rain had earlier delayed the toss — scheduled initially for 3:00 p.m. IST — but eased just in time for the evening start. The cut-off time for a full 20-over match was set at 9:08 p.m. IST, with a reserve day (Monday) kept in case of a washout.
Key Player Battles
- Mandhana vs Kapp: India’s leading run-scorer of the tournament, Smriti Mandhana, faced South Africa’s top wicket-taker Marizanne Kapp in a battle of experience and skill.
- Wolvaardt vs Renuka: South Africa’s captain and tournament top scorer Laura Wolvaardt will look to counter Renuka Singh’s early swing.
- Deepti Sharma vs Nadine de Klerk: Both all-rounders could play decisive roles in the middle overs with bat and ball.
Team Line-Ups
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, N. Shree Charani, Renuka Singh.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta, Chloe Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Road to the Final
India entered the final brimming with confidence after pulling off a record-breaking chase against Australia in the semi-final. Jemimah Rodrigues starred with an unbeaten 127, guiding India to a five-wicket win — the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history.
For South Africa, this marks their first-ever appearance in a Women’s World Cup final, following their emphatic 125-run win over England powered by Wolvaardt’s 169 and Kapp’s five-wicket haul.
Quotes & Emotions
Ahead of the final, Smriti Mandhana shared her thoughts:
“The World Cup is always special — but a home World Cup is something else. Our focus is to give 100% and make India proud. I know millions of dreams are connected with this final.”
Looking Ahead
With India unbeaten at DY Patil Stadium in this tournament and chasing their maiden World Cup title, all eyes are on whether Harmanpreet Kaur’s team can finally lift the trophy that eluded them in 2005 and 2017.
As play progresses, fans across the country remain glued to their screens, hoping for history to be made tonight.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
