NAVI MUMBAI, INDIA – OCTOBER 30: India’s Jemimah Rodrigues appears emotional as she acknowledges the crowd after victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 Semi-Final match between India and Australia at DY Patil Stadium on October 30, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India | Photo credit: Alex Davidson-ICC
Indian women’s cricket is on the cusp of a turning point, reminiscent of the historic 1983 men’s victory, with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team determined to end its ICC trophy drought when the country faces a formidable South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.
The 13th edition of the World Cup is guaranteed to crown a new champion – between third-place finalists India and first-place finalists South Africa – both coming off the back of remarkable campaigns.
A title win could spark an unprecedented wave of interest in women’s cricket in India, inspiring a new generation of young girls to take up the sport – perhaps even more than the arrival of the Women’s Premier League three seasons ago.
But the hosts will need to quickly move past their emotionally draining semi-final victory three nights ago – a victory that may have already earned them the title of ‘favourites’.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ unforgettable 127 not out and Harmanpreet’s gritty 89, combined with an uncharacteristically erratic performance from seven-time champions Australia, propelled India into yet another top-flight match – a phase where heartbreak has struck far too often.
India’s nine-run loss to England in the 2017 ODI World Cup final still lingers painfully for those who were part of that season, including Harmanpreet. It was followed by a narrow five-run defeat to Australia in the semi-final of the 2023 T20 World Cup and another heartbreaking defeat to the same opponents in the gold medal match of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
For India, the battle is no longer about proving skill or form, but about overcoming the elusive final hurdle that has tripped them up so many times – including in this tournament.
After a stuttering start that saw them lose three matches on the trot, India revived their domestic campaign with convincing wins over former champions New Zealand and Australia, rediscovering their spark when it mattered most.
Semi-finals can often drain teams emotionally, and India will need to regroup quickly after that thrilling chase. Their new presenter at number 3, Jemimah Rodrigues, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, but her exploits have now raised expectations that mirror those faced by India’s male stars.
It was a match where India expected their star batsman Smriti Mandhana (385 runs) to fire, but found a hero in a diminutive Jemimah.
On the flat surface of the DY Patil Stadium – known for its high scores and evening dew – another runfest could be on the cards, testing India’s fielding and bowling discipline.
While India defeated Australia, the victory was far from smooth. Seamers Kranti Gaud and Renuka Singh Thakur struggled with rhythm, and even skipper Harmanpreet dropped a regular catch.
On such batting-friendly decks, bowlers cannot do much, but Deepti Sharma – the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps – will once again be key to India’s success. South Africa, meanwhile, won’t mind the ‘underdog’ label. They have shown remarkable resilience throughout the tournament – from being bowled out for 69 against England in Guwahati, to later beating the same opponent at the same venue, and recovering from an all-out of 97 against Australia in Indore.
Veteran Marizanne Kapp (204 runs, 12 wickets), Nadine de Klerk (190 runs, 8 wickets), Tazmin Brits (212 runs), Chloe Tryon (167 runs, 5 wickets) and skipper Laura Wolvaardt (470 runs) all put in telling performances.
As the tournament has progressed, Wolvaardt’s consistency and leadership have taken center stage, and her partnership with Brits at the top presents a huge challenge for Indian bowlers.
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (12 wickets) will test India’s right-heavy batting order while South Africa’s collective perseverance could be decisive in a pressure-packed final.
For a country that has endured its share of cricketing turbulence, this South African side has pulled off an inspiring turnaround, reaching a fifth consecutive ICC all-gender and age-group final.
After losing to New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final last year, their hunger to go one step further is immense.
Ultimately, the battle will come down to which team can handle the pressure better. For Harmanpreet Kaur, it could be the last chance to engrave her name in history as the first Indian woman to win an ODI World Cup as captain.
Teams (away): India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Britten, We have Jafta (wk), Karabo Meso (wk), Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sundumiso Shanguse, Nondumiso Shangase, Ama thanks Klaka Klaas. Tumi Skumbane.
The match starts at 3:00 PM IST.
Published on November 1, 2025
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