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India, October 31, 2025 – The Indian women’s cricket team will take on South Africa in the final of the Women’s ODI World Cup on Sunday in a highly anticipated clash. India will need to overcome a strong South African side that reached the final for the first time after winning six of their last seven matches.

This final is not just a battle for the trophy but also a historic opportunity to crown a new world champion in women’s cricket. India is appearing in the final for the third time (after 2005 and 2017), while South Africa has reached the final for the first time.

Both teams enter the match in excellent form and high confidence. India narrowly avoided elimination in the group stage, but key batting performances helped the team reach the final. South Africa, despite losing to England in their opening game and Australia in their final league match, dominated all other encounters.

India earned their spot in the final with a historic victory over seven-time champions Australia in the semifinals. The team successfully chased a massive target of 339 runs, showcasing exceptional batting talent and growing confidence. Top-order batters, including Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, have been in superb form, and the team will look for another strong performance in the final.

Jemimah Rodrigues, unbeaten on 127 in the semifinals, and Harmanpreet Kaur (89 runs) were heroes against Australia. Mandhana, the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament with 389 runs, will need to step up in the absence of injured top-order batter Pritika Rawal. Young Shafali Verma will look to make an impact despite a quiet semifinals performance.

India’s bowling, especially in the middle overs, will be crucial. Deepti Sharma (17 wickets) leads the attack along with pace bowlers Renuka Singh Thakur and emerging talent Shri Chari. Spin options like Radha Yadav will be key in breaking partnerships.

South Africa will rely on the class of captain Laura Wolvaardt, who scored a record 169 against England, and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who took five wickets in the semifinals. Their disciplined bowling and fielding have been instrumental throughout the tournament.

The match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST. A reserve day has been planned in case of rain. If no result is possible even on the reserve day, both teams will be declared joint winners.

Teams

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Uma Chetri, Richa Ghosh, Harleen Deol, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shri Chari, Radha Yadav

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annari Dreyer, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Tangariyon