India dominated the powerplay in the Women's World Cup final against South Africa, reaching 66/0 after 12 overs with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma building a strong foundation. This marked India's best powerplay of the tournament with 64 runs from the first 10 overs, and only the fourth 50-run opening partnership in World Cup final history. Mandhana broke Mithali Raj's 2017 record with 416 World Cup runs and displayed sumptuous strokeplay with back-to-back boundaries. Verma showed maturity, mixing caution with aggression. South Africa introduced spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba in the eighth over and tightened control after conceding early runs, with captain Laura Wolvaardt making crucial boundary saves. Marizanne Kapp struggled after initially bowling a maiden. (PC: Reuters & Getty Images)

As India's women's cricket team reached the World Cup final after defeating Australia, the tournament highlighted broader struggles for Indian women reclaiming public space. Two Australian players were sexually harassed in Indore, prompting swift arrests but victim-blaming from BJP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya. The "Why Loiter?" campaign continues advocating for women's safe public space access, as harassment remains commonplace. Cricket offers empowerment opportunities: the Women's Premier League enables financial independence for single women like Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol, challenging marriage-centric cultural norms. Former stars Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami demonstrate independence in their 40s. Despite social media criticism telling women to "stick to the kitchen," the tournament showcases women as players, officials, commentators, and spectators reclaiming public visibility.

The Women's World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa began two hours late in Navi Mumbai due to sharp rain spells, but no overs were lost from the 50-over contest. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl, anticipating night-time dew, revised targets possibilities, and potential pitch stickiness from prolonged covers. Both teams remained unchanged. South Africa, coming off a 125-run semi-final win over England, features deep batting with Nadine de Klerk at No. 9, the league-stage match-winner with an unbeaten 84. India, who chased a record 339 against Australia in their semi-final, selected left-arm spinner Radha Yadav over offspinner Sneh Rana, targeting South Africa's right-handed batting lineup.

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues revealed how Rohit Sharma’s advice changed her life. Before her World Cup 2025 success, Jemimah recalled feeling low after being dropped from the 2022 squad. Rohit shared that he too was heartbroken when he missed the 2011 World Cup and said, “I was crying inside.” His words moved Jemimah to tears. He told her, “Tough times will come. Be ready when your next chance comes.” Jemimah said this advice taught her to play for the love of cricket, not to prove anything. Now, she leads India’s charge in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final. (PC: AFP)

India reached 51/0 after 7 overs in the Women's World Cup 2025 final against South Africa at DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to field first. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a strong start for third-time finalists India, seeking to end their ICC trophy drought. This 13th edition will crown a new champion, featuring first-time finalists South Africa. A historic victory could inspire a new generation of Indian girls to take up cricket, potentially surpassing the impact of the Women's Premier League established three seasons ago. India's Playing XI includes captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh.

ndia began their Women's World Cup final chase against South Africa at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, reaching 22/0 in 4 overs after South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first. Following Marizanne Kapp's maiden over, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma counterattacked cautiously. Shafali found rhythm with cracking cover drives against Kapp, while Ayabonga Khaka conceded 15 runs in two overs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt brought the keeper up after Shafali walked down the track. Despite heavy pre-toss rain, the outfield remained fast. Sachin Tendulkar presented the trophy pre-match, echoing his 2023 semifinal appearance. No overs were lost despite overcast conditions. The match started at 5 PM IST with the pitch slightly tacky post-rain.(PC: BCCI & Cric Today)

India and South Africa will contest the Women's World Cup 2025 final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday, November 2, at 3 PM IST. After India's stunning semi-final victory over Australia, captain Harmanpreet Kaur's team seeks redemption following their league-stage defeat to South Africa. The match will be telecast on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar. Weather forecasts predict 25% rain probability, dropping to 20% until 8 PM, threatening interruptions. A reserve day on Monday, November 3, ensures match completion. If play is suspended after overs are reduced, it continues from that point on the reserve day. If no play occurs after interruption, the match restarts as a full 50-over contest on the reserve day. Both teams need minimum 20 overs each for a valid result. If both days are washed out, India and South Africa will be declared joint winners and share the trophy.

India's men's cricket team, currently in Australia for a T20I series, extended wishes to the Women in Blue ahead of their ICC Women's ODI World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav led messages saying "Last push, Jai Hind." India seeks their first ODI World Cup title after knocking out reigning champions Australia in the semi-finals, mirroring their 2017 campaign when they beat Australia but lost the final to England. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's team rebounded from three consecutive group-stage losses to reach the summit clash. Rain threats loom over the match venue, with passing showers expected during the game.

India faces South Africa in Sunday's historic Women's Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai, with either nation winning their first title. India reached the final after Jemimah Rodrigues' epic semi-final century against reigning champions Australia left the team exhausted. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's squad previously lost finals in 2005, 2017, and seeks redemption after years battling institutional misogyny the BCCI was the last major board offering women professional contracts and delayed the Women's Premier League until 2023. South Africa's Marizanne Kapp's ferocious bowling poses threats. India lost to South Africa in group stages when Nadine de Klerk scored 41 off 25 balls. A 35,000-strong Mumbai crowd will witness the match. Victory could bring India's women fame rivaling Kapil Dev's 1983 team.

India's women's cricket team faces South Africa in the ICC World Cup final Sunday at D.Y. Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, seeking redemption after heartbreaking 2017 ODI and 2020 T20 final defeats. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's squad gained psychological advantage by defeating Australia in the semi-finals, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues' spectacular century. Everything favors India: home conditions, passionate crowds including 200 Bharat Army members, and momentum. However, India must manage favorites' pressure while South Africa can play freely as underdogs. The Proteas previously defeated India in the league phase. India's pace bowling remains vulnerable; spinners Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani must contain Laura Wolvaardt's batters. Special guests include Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Sunidhi Chauhan will perform during the innings break.