Historic Women’s ODI World Cup Final: India vs South Africa – A New Champion Awaits After 25 Years
The high-stakes showdown kicks off at 3:00 PM IST, with toss scheduled for 2:30 PM. Both unbeaten finalists enter the fray unbeaten in their knockout stages: India stunned seven-time champions Australia by five wickets in the semi-final, while South Africa edged out four-time winners England.
Mumbai, November 2, 2025 – In a groundbreaking clash that shatters decades of dominance by traditional powerhouses, India and South Africa are set to battle for glory in the Women’s ODI World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium today. For the first time in 52 years, neither Australia nor England will grace the title decider, paving the way for a fresh champion after a 25-year drought since New Zealand’s triumph in 2000.
The high-stakes showdown kicks off at 3:00 PM IST, with toss scheduled for 2:30 PM. Both unbeaten finalists enter the fray unbeaten in their knockout stages: India stunned seven-time champions Australia by five wickets in the semi-final, while South Africa edged out four-time winners England. This marks India’s third final appearance (after heartbreaks in 2005 and 2017) and South Africa’s maiden one, with neither side having claimed an ICC white-ball trophy in any format.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s India boasts a formidable all-round game, powered by Smriti Mandhana’s elegant opening strokeplay and Jemimah Rodrigues’ consistent middle-order firepower. Deepthi Sharma and the skipper herself have been clutch performers, while the bowling attack, led by Radha Yadav and Renuka Singh Thakur, has shown remarkable balance. Head-to-head, India holds a 59% win rate over South Africa in ODIs (20 wins from 34 matches), including a five-match streak leading into the tournament—though South Africa snatched a thrilling three-wicket victory in the league stage here.
South Africa’s hopes rest heavily on captain and tournament top-scorer Laura Wolvaardt, whose steady batting has anchored the side, alongside all-rounder Marizanne Kapp’s dual threats with bat and ball. Explosive talents like Chloe Tryon and Tazmin Brits could prove game-changers in a lineup that thrives on Wolvaardt’s consistency.
**Possible Playing XIs:**
– **India:** Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Kranti Goud, Shri Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur.
– **South Africa:** Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Weather could play spoilsport, with a 63% chance of rain in Mumbai—echoing disruptions in recent matches at the venue. Officials have provisions for up to 120 extra minutes on the day, a full reserve day tomorrow, and a minimum 20-over batting requirement for a result. Should play be washed out entirely, the trophy will be shared jointly.
The batting-friendly DY Patil pitch, which witnessed India’s record chase of 339 against Australia on October 30, promises a high-scoring thriller. Spinners may find some turn, and pacers could extract early movement. Fans in India can catch the live telecast on Star Sports Network, with streaming on JioHotstar app and website; Dainik Bhaskar app offers live updates.
Adding star power, Bollywood vocalist Sunidhi Chauhan will deliver a live performance between innings, as confirmed by the ICC. Yesterday’s trophy photoshoot featuring Kaur and Wolvaardt has only heightened the anticipation on social media.
As these two underdogs—long starved of major silverware—vie to etch their names in history, the final transcends sport: it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s cricket, where resilience and team synergy could finally topple the giants. Who will lift the trophy? The wait ends today.
