A new chapter will open in women’s cricket on Sunday night in Navi Mumbai. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the ODI World Cup final will not feature Australia or England. India and South Africa will face each other to lift their first-ever World Cup trophy, which means the cricketing world will witness a new champion winning the title.
This final also brings together two familiar faces with special abilities on and off the field. Jemimah Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt, teammates in the Women’s Hundred, will now stand on opposite sides. Off the field, they enjoy some singing and have made musical videos together in the past. On Sunday, the two friends will try to perform in a very different way, one that could make them world champions.
However, the other similarity between the two is what world cricket will be looking forward to. Both players starred in the semifinals with amazing centuries. Rodrigues hit an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls under pressure against Australia to lead India into the final. Earlier, Wolvaardt scored a stunning 169 off 143 against England, carrying South Africa to their first-ever World Cup final. The two will again be central to their teams’ hopes.
Both teams have overcome challenges along the way. South Africa were bowled out for 69 and 97 early in the tournament but fought back strongly. India reached the knockouts without beating any of the top three teams in the group, yet they stayed composed and turned lessons into results, especially against the mighty Aussies.
In the semifinals, South Africa crushed England in Guwahati, while India defeated Australia in front of a roaring home crowd. Both teams broke some barriers and set up a fresh, exciting final.
India hold a slight edge with familiarity. They have played their last three matches at this ground and won all of them. On the other hand, South Africa will play in Navi Mumbai for the first time and will need to adjust to both conditions and a strong home crowd.
Shafali Verma’s return has added value to India’s top order. She knows the South African attack well and will look to make an impact after a quiet semifinal. Nadine de Klerk remains South Africa’s key weapon with her all-round skills, boasting ten sixes and the best strike rate of the tournament.
India’s semifinal win showed their strength and balance. They batted deep, used six bowlers, and improved their fielding. A minor selection call could be whether Sneh Rana replaces Radha Yadav, but the team may stay unchanged.
Tazmin Brits injured her shoulder in the semifinal but is expected to play for South Africa. They might still consider adding Masabata Klaas for extra bowling depth.
Weather could affect the contest, with unseasonal rain forecast in the evening. Temperatures will stay near 30°C, and dew could help the chasing side. A reserve day is available if needed.
When the World Cup last came to India, women’s cricket was struggling for space and support. Now it stands at a new height, and it shows in the full stands of the major Indian cities, as well as the smaller ones.
India and South Africa have come a long way to reach here. Two passionate teams, two stars with a shared history, and one night that will crown a new world champion.
Probable XIs
India
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh
South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
India’s last five results (most recent first):
W-W-L-L-L
South Africa’s last five results (most recent first):
W-L-W-W-W
