The grand finale of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is set to deliver a high-voltage clash as India Women take on South Africa Women on November 2 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The action gets underway at 3:00 PM (IST), with both sides hungry to lift their first-ever World Cup crown.
For South Africa, this match represents the peak of years of persistence and evolution. Making their maiden appearance in a Women’s ODI World Cup final, the Proteas have been one of the most disciplined outfits of the tournament. They won five of their seven league games, losing only to England and Australia, before storming into the title clash by dismantling England by 125 runs in the semi-final — a statement win that finally buried the heartbreaks of 2017 and 2022.
India’s campaign has been a story of resurgence under pressure. The hosts had a stuttering group stage, registering three wins in seven matches with one washed out. Their defeats came against Australia, England, and South Africa — but when the knockouts arrived, India transformed. In the semi-final, they produced a historic chase, hunting down 339 against Australia with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare, snapping Australia’s 15-match World Cup winning streak.
Squads:
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Amanjot Kaur, Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Harleen Deol
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
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
Players to watch out:
Harmanpreet Kaur
India’s captain brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for rising when the stakes are highest. Her recent scores — 21 vs Sri Lanka, 19 vs Pakistan, 9 vs South Africa, 22 vs Australia, 70 vs England, 10 vs New Zealand, and 89 in the semi-final — may seem up and down, but her pedigree in crunch moments is unquestionable. With 4,389 runs and 31 wickets in 160 ODIs, including a career-best 171*, she remains India’s emotional and tactical anchor.
N Sree Charani
Only 21 but already bowling with the maturity of a seasoned seamer, Charani has turned heads with her control and accuracy. Her World Cup spells — 2/37 vs Sri Lanka, 0/26 vs Pakistan, 1/37 vs South Africa, 3/41 vs Australia, 2/68 vs England, 1/58 vs New Zealand, 2/23 vs Bangladesh, and 2/49 against Australia in the semi-final — underline her consistency. With 22 wickets in 17 ODIs (best 3/41), she could be the tone-setter with the new ball.
Laura Wolvaardt
South Africa’s captain has blended elegance with authority throughout the tournament. After a quiet start (5 vs England, 14 vs New Zealand), she shifted gears with 70 vs India, 60* vs Sri Lanka, 90 vs Pakistan, 31 vs Australia, and a breathtaking 169 in the semi-final against England. With 5,121 ODI runs across 118 matches and a highest score of 184*, she stands as South Africa’s most dependable batting force.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Mlaba has grown into South Africa’s most trusted spin option. Her World Cup run — 0/9 vs England, 4/40 vs New Zealand, 2/46 vs India, 2/42 vs Bangladesh, 3/30 vs Sri Lanka, 0/16 vs Pakistan, 0/25 vs Australia, and 1/40 in the semi-final — highlights relentless discipline. With 50 wickets in 45 ODIs, her ability to apply pressure and strike in the middle overs could be decisive on Indian surfaces.
Pitch:
The surface at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy typically offers early assistance for fast bowlers with movement and bounce, while batters enjoy true pace through the line. As the innings wears on, grip and turn come into play, giving spinners a greater role. A score in the 250–270 range is expected to challenge both sides.
Weather:
Expect humid conditions in Navi Mumbai with temperatures around 32°C. There is a 30% chance of light rain, but the game is likely to run its full course. Humidity may climb to 71% by evening, and light winds of around 18 kph could help swing bowlers early. As the surface ages, turn is likely to increase.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, N Sree Charani, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon, Tazmin Brits
Match Details:
Date – November 2, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Broadcast – Star Sports Network; Streaming on JioHotstar
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