The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 culminates with a historic final as India faces South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, advanced after a dramatic semifinal victory, seeking their first ODI World Cup title. They confront a formidable South African side that has shown exceptional form throughout the tournament, including a significant league-stage win over India. South Africa, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, also aims to make history by securing their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup trophy, aiming to overcome past near misses in ICC events.
The inaugural clash in the league stage saw India’s new-ball bowlers put the Proteas under early pressure, reducing them to 18/2. Despite early wickets, South Africa mounted a comeback, largely due to a crucial partnership that secured their victory. Laura Wolvaardt has been a consistent performer for South Africa, leading the tournament in runs, though her opening partner has shown inconsistency. India’s bowling attack, potentially strengthened by the inclusion of Renuka Singh Thakur, will need to be sharp against South Africa’s top order.
A marquee showdown features Marizanne Kapp, the leading wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history, against India’s star batter, Smriti Mandhana. Kapp is in exceptional form, having set a new tournament record for wickets. Mandhana, ranked the world’s No. 1 ODI batter, has been instrumental in India’s journey, consistently scoring runs. While their past encounters show mutual respect, Mandhana’s strike rate against Kapp has been contained, indicating a fascinating contest.
Jemimah Rodrigues, fresh off a match-winning century in the semifinal, faces a stern test against South Africa’s middle-over bowlers, particularly left-arm spinners Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba. Rodrigues was dismissed for a duck in the league-stage meeting, and her ability to replicate her semifinal heroics against this specific bowling attack will be crucial for India.
Deepti Sharma, currently tied for the most wickets in the tournament, faces her ultimate challenge against South Africa’s strong batting lineup. Despite taking an early wicket in their previous encounter, South African batters managed to score runs against her. Sharma’s performance will be vital in containing the Proteas’ scoring rate.
Finally, Nadine de Klerk’s explosive unbeaten knock in the league stage, which snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for South Africa, poses a significant threat. India’s bowlers will need a solid plan to counter her late-innings power-hitting, making her battle against India’s death bowlers a key factor in the final outcome.
