Navi Mumbai, November 2, 2025 - India and South Africa are set for a thrilling showdown in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Both teams are vying for their first World Cup title, promising a historic match as a new champion will be crowned.
India reached the final after a stunning victory over defending champions Australia, chasing down a record 339 runs. Jemimah Rodrigues's unbeaten 127 was the cornerstone of the chase, supported by captain Harmanpreet Kaur's 89. South Africa secured their place by defeating England in the semi-finals.
Key Battles to Watch
Several individual matchups could determine the outcome of the final:
- Smriti Mandhana vs. Marizanne Kapp: India will rely on Smriti Mandhana for a strong start. She has scored 389 runs in the tournament at an average of 55.57. Kapp, South Africa's veteran medium pacer, will aim to dismiss Mandhana early with the new ball.
- Jemimah Rodrigues vs. Nonkululeko Mlaba: Rodrigues, fresh off her match-winning innings against Australia, will face a challenge from South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba. Mlaba's ability to take wickets at crucial moments makes this a key contest.
- Renuka Singh Thakur vs. Laura Wolvaardt: Renuka Singh Thakur will lead the Indian bowling attack against Laura Wolvaardt, the tournament's leading run-scorer with 470 runs. Wolvaardt is coming off a century in the semi-final against England.
Form and Recent Performances
India has won three of their last five matches in the World Cup. In the semi-final, Jemimah Rodrigues's 127 not out led India to a record chase of 339 runs. Smriti Mandhana has been a consistent scorer, while Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani have been India's leading bowlers.
South Africa lost two of their seven league games but finished strong with a dominant 125-run win over England in the semi-final. Laura Wolvaardt has been in exceptional form, and Marizanne Kapp is the all-time highest wicket-taker in Women's World Cups with 44 wickets.
Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa have faced each other 34 times in ODIs, with India winning 20 and South Africa 13, and one match ending in no result. In their recent encounter on October 9 during the league stage of the tournament, South Africa won by three wickets. Nadine de Klerk's unbeaten 84 led South Africa to victory in that match.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
While conditions are expected to be dry, there is a slight chance of thundery showers. The DY Patil Stadium has been favorable for India, who remain unbeaten at this ground during the tournament. South Africa has not played at this venue before.
Squads
Key players for India include Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Renuka Singh. South Africa's key players are Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Historical Context
This final marks a significant moment as it is the first time in the history of the Women's ODI World Cup that neither England nor Australia will be competing for the title. India has lost two previous World Cup finals and will be hoping for a different outcome this time. South Africa is making their first-ever final appearance after semi-final exits in 2017 and 2022.
