The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is all set for a historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 final, featuring hosts India and a resurgent South Africa. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, aims to lift their maiden World Cup trophy after a dramatic semifinal victory. Standing in their way is South Africa, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, a team that has displayed remarkable consistency and strength throughout the tournament, including a convincing win over India in the league phase.
Both teams are on the verge of creating history. India seeks to win its first-ever ODI World Cup on home soil, while South Africa is striving for their inaugural World Cup title, aiming to go all the way after several close calls in past ICC events. Their league-stage clash saw South Africa come from behind to secure a vital win, a result India will be desperate to overturn.
A critical aspect of the final will be the battle between India’s new-ball bowlers and South Africa’s top order. India showcased their ability to take early wickets in their previous encounter, reducing the Proteas to 18/2. However, South Africa’s depth and resilience, highlighted by a significant partnership, eventually led them to victory. Laura Wolvaardt’s prolific run-scoring is vital for South Africa, but the team needs more consistent support from her opening partner. India’s bowling attack, potentially reinforced by Renuka Singh Thakur, will need to be at its absolute best to contain South Africa’s strong start.
The individual duel between Marizanne Kapp and Smriti Mandhana promises to be a showstopper. Kapp, the leading wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history, is in phenomenal form, having recently set a new tournament record for wickets. Mandhana, the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, has been India’s driving force. While Mandhana’s overall record is stellar, her strike rate against Kapp has been notably lower, suggesting a tactical battle where precision and control will be key.
Jemimah Rodrigues has been the talk of the tournament after her incredible unbeaten century in the semifinal. However, she faces a tough challenge from South Africa’s left-arm spin duo, Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba, who previously dismissed her without scoring. Rodrigues’s ability to withstand their pressure and build momentum in the middle overs will be crucial for India’s scoring potential.
Deepti Sharma, currently tied for the most wickets in the tournament, faces her most significant test in the final against a formidable South African batting lineup. Despite taking an early wicket against them in the league stage, South Africa’s batters managed to put pressure on her. Her performance in containing the run flow and picking up vital wickets will be essential for India.
Nadine de Klerk’s extraordinary unbeaten 84 in the league-stage victory over India is a clear warning sign. Her ability to score rapidly and hit boundaries in the death overs poses a significant threat to India’s bowling plans. How India’s bowlers adapt and strategize to counter de Klerk’s power-hitting could very well decide the outcome of this high-stakes final.