The historic ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final will witness India lock horns with South Africa at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT).
This monumental encounter marks a watershed moment in women’s cricket, as it guarantees a first-time World Cup winner for the first time in 25 years, with neither India nor South Africa having previously lifted the coveted trophy.
Match Details and Venue Information
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, India
- Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
- Match Start Time: 3:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM GMT
- Toss Time: 2:30 PM IST
- Stadium Capacity: 45,300 spectators
- Venue Type: Multi-purpose stadium predominantly used for cricket
The DY Patil Stadium has been a fortress for the host nation throughout this tournament, with India maintaining an undefeated record at this venue. The stadium has hosted three league matches and one semifinal during the Women’s World Cup, with India securing victories against New Zealand and Australia, along with a no-result match against Bangladesh at this ground. South Africa, conversely, has yet to play at this venue during the tournament.
The venue selection was significant, as two potential locations were considered for the final: the DY Patil Stadium and Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. The latter would have served as a neutral venue had Pakistan qualified, following an ICC-mediated agreement that mandates India and Pakistan to play at neutral venues for tournaments hosted by either nation.
A testament to the growing popularity of women’s cricket, a record crowd of 25,166 attended a group-stage match in Navi Mumbai, marking the highest attendance ever for any ICC Women’s event group match, surpassing the previous record of 22,843 set during the opening match between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati. On Saturday, just a day before the final, crowds gathered outside the Patil Stadium with tremendous excitement, eager to catch a glimpse of the teams during practice and scrambling for last-minute tickets.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The red soil surfaces at Navi Mumbai are expected to play to India’s general strengths. According to reports, the pitch that will be used for the final is the same strip employed for the India vs New Zealand contest, where the home side posted a massive 340 runs on the board. The DY Patil Sports Academy pitch has largely favoured teams batting first throughout the tournament, though India broke this trend by successfully chasing down Australia’s target in the semifinal.
The surface is expected to offer good support for batters throughout both innings, with bowlers needing to be precise with their lines and lengths, as any errors could be punished severely. The pitch characteristics suggest high-scoring encounters, which adds another layer of excitement to this historic final.
India’s Journey to the Final
India secured their place in the final with a stunning five-wicket victory over defending champions Australia in the semifinal, executing one of the most remarkable chases in World Cup history. The Women in Blue successfully chased down a record 339 runs against the Australian powerhouse, with Jemimah Rodrigues producing one of the tournament’s most memorable performances.
The host nation finished fourth in the league phase despite suffering three losses, including a crushing defeat to South Africa in the league stage. However, they have found their best form at the crucial juncture, rebounding when it mattered most to reach their third World Cup final.
India’s previous World Cup final appearances came in 2005 and 2017, with the latter being a particularly painful nine-run defeat to England at Lord’s. Since that heartbreaking loss, there has been a prevailing belief that it’s merely a question of when, rather than if, this team will secure the title. The squad boasts generational talents like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma, who have consistently performed at the highest level.
South Africa’s Historic Journey
South Africa’s path to the final represents their breakthrough moment in Women’s World Cup history. The Proteas have long been regarded as cricket’s ‘almost’ team, experiencing heartbreaking near-misses in previous tournaments, including semifinal exits in 2017 and 2022. However, under the inspirational leadership of Laura Wolvaardt, they have developed a fearless identity throughout this tournament.
The Proteas booked their spot in the summit clash with a commanding 125-run victory over England in the semifinal at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a brilliant knock of 169 runs, the third-highest individual score in Women’s World Cup knockout history. Marizanne Kapp complemented this batting masterclass with a devastating five-wicket haul that dismantled the English batting lineup.
South Africa concluded the league phase with two losses but have peaked at the right time, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure when it matters most. The emotional moment during the T20 World Cup final in 2024, where a packed Cape Town crowd sang the national anthem, nearly overshadowed their eventual loss to Australia, but the heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand in the subsequent year’s final remains a significant regret for the team.
Head-to-Head and League Stage Encounter
The two teams met earlier in the league stage, where South Africa emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter. The Proteas successfully chased down 252 runs with three wickets and seven balls remaining, demonstrating their batting depth and composure under pressure. This result adds an extra edge to the final encounter, with India looking to avenge that defeat on home soil.
However, it’s worth noting that India has historically dominated South Africa in bilateral series, including a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship 2022-25. This contrasts with their soul-crushing defeats to South Africa in crucial tournament matches.
Team News and Squad Composition
India’s Squad Strength:
India appears to have found their best combination heading into the final, with exceptional batting depth extending to No. 8 and six versatile bowling options. The team has been led brilliantly by Harmanpreet Kaur, who has emphasized the collective strength and depth of her squad.
The Indian unit boasts a perfect mix of youth and experience, featuring the dependable Smriti Mandhana, dynamic Shafali Verma, composed Jemimah Rodrigues, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma. India’s batting and bowling departments look balanced and inspired following their historic victory against Australia.
Full India Squad:
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Uma Chetry
South Africa’s Formidable Lineup:
South Africa enters the final with strong depth, confidence, and formidable experience across their lineup. Under Laura Wolvaardt’s leadership, the Proteas have displayed fearless cricket throughout the tournament. Key players like Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, and Ayabonga Khaka bring both power and tactical acumen to the squad.
Predicted Playing XIs
India Women (Predicted XI):
- Smriti Mandhana (opener)
- Shafali Verma (opener)
- Jemimah Rodrigues (top-order batter)
- Harmanpreet Kaur (captain, middle-order)
- Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper, middle-order)
- Deepti Sharma (all-rounder)
- Amanjot Kaur (all-rounder)
- Radha Yadav (spinner)
- Renuka Singh Thakur (fast bowler)
- Shree Charani (bowler)
- Kranti Goud (bowler)
South Africa Women (Predicted XI):
- Laura Wolvaardt (captain, opener)
- Tazmin Brits (opener)
- Sune Luus (top-order batter)
- Annerie Dercksen (middle-order)
- Anneke Bosch (middle-order)
- Marizanne Kapp (all-rounder)
- Sinalo Jafta (wicketkeeper)
- Chloe Tryon (all-rounder)
- Nadine de Klerk (all-rounder)
- Ayabonga Khaka (fast bowler)
- Nonkululeko Mlaba (spinner)
Both teams are expected to stick with their winning combinations from the semifinals, given the success they achieved with those lineups.
Key Players to Watch
For India:
Jemimah Rodrigues: The Indian middle-order batter displayed exceptional composure to lead India to an unexpected semifinal victory over Australia, scoring an unbeaten 127 off 134 deliveries. Despite facing challenges earlier in the tournament and being dropped at one point, she rebounded spectacularly when it mattered most. With one century and a half-century in the tournament, Rodrigues ranks ninth in the batting charts and will be crucial in the middle overs.
Smriti Mandhana: The elegant left-handed opener has been India’s most consistent batter over the years and provides stability at the top of the order. Her ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes her invaluable in the final.
Deepti Sharma: The versatile all-rounder offers crucial balance to the Indian lineup with both bat and ball. Her off-spin bowling in the middle overs and ability to contribute with the bat down the order makes her a key figure.
Harmanpreet Kaur: The Indian captain’s leadership and big-match temperament will be vital in navigating the pressure of a home World Cup final. Her experience and ability to accelerate in the death overs could prove decisive.
For South Africa:
Laura Wolvaardt: As the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 470 runs across innings, Wolvaardt has been a pillar of strength for South Africa throughout the competition. After a slow start, she found devastating form, notching three half-centuries during the league phase. Her standout performance came in the semifinal against England, where she scored a remarkable 169 runs, showcasing her ability to dominate on the biggest stage. Her captaincy and batting prowess will be absolutely crucial.
Marizanne Kapp: The experienced all-rounder is South Africa’s match-winner with both bat and ball. Her five-wicket haul in the semifinal demonstrated her ability to dismantle strong batting lineups, while her lower-middle order contributions with the bat provide crucial depth.
Tazmin Brits: The opener has been consistent at the top of the order for South Africa, providing solid starts that allow the middle order to capitalize.
Nadine de Klerk and Ayabonga Khaka: These bowlers bring formidable pace and experience to South Africa’s attack, capable of breaking partnerships and containing run rates in crucial moments.
Broadcasting and Viewing Information
Live Telecast (India): Star Sports Network
Live Streaming (India): JioHotstar app and website
Broadcasting Network: JioStar Network Channels
The match will be available across multiple platforms, ensuring maximum accessibility for fans across India and around the world.
Match Officials
On-field Umpires: Eloise Sheridan, Jacqueline Williams
Third Umpire: To be confirmed
Historical Significance and Stakes
This final represents far more than just a cricket match—it symbolizes the evolution and progress of women’s cricket globally. For the first time in a quarter-century, a fresh name will be etched onto the Women’s World Cup trophy, ensuring cricket crowns a new world champion.
For India, victory would represent the culmination of years of investment in women’s cricket infrastructure, the passionate support of home fans, and the fulfillment of a dream that has eluded them in previous attempts. The team possesses generational talents who have been building toward this moment, and winning on home soil would create an indelible legacy.
For South Africa, triumph would finally erase the painful memories of previous near-misses and establish them as world champions for the first time. It would validate their consistent performances over the years and prove that they can deliver when it matters most on the grandest stage.
Tactical Battle and Match-Ups
The final promises to be a high-voltage clash between two contrasting styles. India’s strategy will likely revolve around capitalizing on home conditions and leveraging their spin-bowling options on the red soil surface that traditionally assists slower bowlers. South Africa, having successfully chased 252 against India in the league stage, will be confident in their batting depth and ability to handle pressure situations.
The contest between India’s spin attack led by Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav against South Africa’s experienced batting lineup will be fascinating to watch. Similarly, how South Africa’s pace attack handles India’s aggressive opening pair of Mandhana and Verma could set the tone for the entire match.
Both teams have earned their place in this historic showdown through weeks of thrilling contests and stellar performances, and the final will etch new chapters in women’s cricket history regardless of the outcome. With passionate crowds, electric atmosphere, and the weight of expectations, Sunday’s final promises to be a spectacle befitting the occasion.
