In Navi Mumbai, the Indian women’s cricket team is poised for a pivotal moment, echoing the men’s unforgettable 1983 victory. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, they are eager to break their ICC trophy drought in the Women’s World Cup final against a strong South African team. The 13th edition of the tournament will see either India, a three-time finalist, or South Africa, making their debut in the finals, crowned as the new champion. A win could spark an unprecedented interest in women’s cricket in India, inspiring young girls to engage in the sport, potentially more than the Women’s Premier League did three seasons ago.
However, the team must quickly recover from their emotionally charged semifinal win just three nights ago, which may have already given them the ‘favourites’ label. Jemimah Rodrigues’ remarkable 127 not out and Harmanpreet’s determined 89 helped India secure their place in the final against a historically dominant Australian team, which faltered unexpectedly. The memory of India’s nine-run loss to England in the 2017 ODI World Cup final still stings for many, including Harmanpreet, alongside a narrow five-run defeat in the 2023 T20 World Cup semifinal and another close loss to Australia in the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal match.
For India, the challenge transcends mere skill or form; it is about overcoming the final hurdle that has eluded them time and again, even in this tournament. On the other hand, South Africa is comfortable with the ‘underdog’ status, having demonstrated tremendous resilience throughout the tournament, recovering from a low point of being bowled out for 69 against England to later defeating them convincingly, as well as bouncing back from a 97 all-out against Australia. Ultimately, the match will hinge on which team can manage pressure more effectively. For Harmanpreet Kaur, it represents a final chance to make history as the first Indian woman to lift an ODI World Cup as captain.
The teams are: India – Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav; South Africa – Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Karabo Meso (wk), Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune.