India will face South Africa in a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Both teams are eyeing their first-ever World Cup title, making it a historic encounter in women’s cricket.
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India entered the final high on confidence after stunning Australia in a dramatic semi-final. The team will, however, look to overcome memories of their league-stage defeat to South Africa. The Proteas have been dominant throughout the tournament on their way to their maiden World Cup final.
Star Sports Network will telecast the match live at 3:00 p.m. IST, and Disney+ Hotstar will stream it online.
Predicted XIs and Key Players
India is likely to field a balanced side, combining experience and youthful flair. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will open the innings. Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma will anchor the middle order. Richa Ghosh will don the gloves, with Renuka Thakur leading the pace attack.
India predicted XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur
For South Africa, Laura Wolvaardt’s leadership and all-around contributions from Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon will be pivotal.
South Africa predicted XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Pitch and Venue Insights
Curators have prepared the red soil pitch at DY Patil Stadium to favour batters, raising expectations of high scores. They plan to use the same strip from the India–New Zealand match, where India scored 340 runs. This could potentially set up another run-fest.
Squads Overview
India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Uma Chetry, Shafali Verma.
South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase.
With two in-form sides and passionate crowds expected, Sunday’s final promises to be a landmark moment for women’s cricket.
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