Mumbai: The Women’s ODI World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday promises to be a landmark occasion in cricket history. For the first time ever, neither Australia nor England will feature in the title clash, guaranteeing a fresh champion will emerge.
Both finalists have overcome significant challenges throughout this tournament. South Africa endured the humiliation of being bowled out for 69 and 97 in their opening matches before staging a remarkable recovery. India, meanwhile, qualified for the knockouts despite not defeating any of the three teams that finished above them in the points table.
The knockout stages saw both teams conquer their demons. South Africa finally broke their losing streak against England, while India delighted the home supporters by overpowering tournament favourites Australia in a commanding display.
Battle of Form and Nerve
India will enter the final with a distinct home advantage, having played three consecutive matches at this venue and won them all. South Africa, however, have not played a single game in Navi Mumbai during this World Cup, which could present adaptation challenges. The Proteas do have the advantage of more recovery time after their semi-final, while India’s quick turnaround might test their physical and mental reserves.
Key Players to Watch
Shafali Verma’s inclusion for the semi-final raised eyebrows after being left out of the original squad. Though she departed early against Australia, her track record against South Africa – including a brisk 53 in the 2022 World Cup – suggests she could make a decisive impact.
Nadine de Klerk has been South Africa’s batting revelation, smashing ten sixes and maintaining the tournament’s best strike rate of 136.69. Her devastating 84 not out against India in the league stage remains fresh in memory, and she will be eager for another big innings on a batting-friendly pitch.
Weather Watch
Unseasonable rain across India has reached Mumbai, with showers predicted for Sunday evening. A reserve day on Monday is available if needed, with play resuming from where it stopped rather than starting afresh.
Head-to-Head Battles
Several intriguing individual contests could shape the final. Nonkululeko Mlaba has troubled Smriti Mandhana previously, dismissing her three times in ODIs. Marizanne Kapp holds the edge over both Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur. For India, Deepti Sharma has kept Laura Wolvaardt relatively quiet, restricting her to a strike rate of just 54.91 in their encounters.
South Africa captain Wolvaardt needs just 40 runs to break Alyssa Healy’s record for most runs in a single World Cup edition. Her team has also smashed 31 sixes, the most by any side this tournament.
Breaking the Jinx
This will be India’s third ODI World Cup final after 2005 and 2017. They remain the only team to have reached three finals without lifting the trophy. South Africa hold a psychological edge, having won their last three World Cup meetings against India.
Regardless of Sunday’s result, both teams have already made history. Players like Nonkululeko Mlaba and Kranti Gaud, who overcame enormous obstacles growing up in under-resourced communities, stand on the verge of becoming household names and inspiring countless young women across their nations.
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