Harmanpreet Kaur’s Team India is just a hurdle away from scripting history. On Sunday evening, they will take on South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
It’s the match-up which will reveal a new World Champion and the way the two teams have made it to the final showdown, the clash is going to be electrifying.
For India, this is more than just another title shot; it’s a chance to end years of near misses and heartbreaks on the global stage. Harmanpreet’s side has shown remarkable resilience after a shaky start to the tournament. From losing three games in a row to storming back with emphatic wins over New Zealand and Australia, the hosts have rediscovered their belief when it mattered most. Their semifinal win over Australia was the stuff of dreams but the job isn’t done yet.
As India face a formidable South Africa, the best idea to go against the Proteas will be an unchanged playing XI.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana combine to form a formidable opening pair. They have provided results in the past and the crucial final demands a heroic act from the duo. Verma’s sudden inclusion to the squad has given her the opportunity to shine and make the country proud. She showed the glimpse of her fierce batting in the semi-final but couldn’t convert the start. So did Smriti Madhana who has been the highest scorer of the tournament.
Jemimah at no. 3 at DY Patil stadium is a match made in heaven. What she did in the semis against Australia has been etched in history books. If the management doesn’t change her position, nobody can stop India from getting the desired total on the board. Skipper Harmanpreet has also rediscovered her batting mojo and she will not let the momentum go away.
The trio of Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur form a strong middle-order. They have proven their strengths but what they need is to fire when needed. Even two of these three batters score decently, South Africa will be pushed under pressure.
India’s bowling will once again rely on Deepti Sharma, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, while pacers Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Gaud will aim for early breakthroughs. Sree Charani has also been making waves with her crucial breakthrough in the middle overs. However, the toss-up will be between Sneh Rana and Radha Yadav for the 5th bowling option.
With the DY Patil surface expected to aid batters, fielding discipline and bowling accuracy will be crucial.
India’s Predicted XI for Women’s World Cup Final vs South Africa:
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur.
