Match: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final
Teams: India Women vs South Africa Women
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM IST (Toss at 2:30 PM IST)
Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Format: Day/Night, 50-over match
Reserve Day: Monday, November 3, 2025
The Big Picture
For the first time in Women’s World Cup history, neither Australia nor England will feature in the final. Instead, two teams chasing their maiden title will battle it out at the 45,300-capacity DY Patil Stadium.
India have qualified for the final after a historic win over defending champions Australia in the semifinal, chasing down a mammoth 338 runs. The Women in Blue have reached the final twice before – in 2005 and 2017 – but lost both times.
South Africa overpowered England to reach the summit clash, marking their first-ever appearance in a Women’s World Cup final. The Proteas won five of their seven league games, losing only to England and Australia, before dismantling England by 125 runs in the semi-final.
Expected Playing XIs
India Women (Likely XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo, The Week, Cricket Addictor
- Smriti Mandhana
- Shafali Verma
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Deepti Sharma
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Amanjot Kaur
- Radha Yadav/Sneh Rana
- Kranti Gaud
- Shree Charani
- Renuka Singh
Note: India may have finally found their best XI in the semi-final, with batting depth till No. 8 and six bowling options. There’s a debate whether to play Radha Yadav or Sneh Rana, though South Africa’s entire batting line-up is right-handed, which may favor the left-arm spinner Yadav.
South Africa Women (Likely XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo, The Week
- 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
Note: Hard-hitting opener Tazmin Brits hurt her shoulder on Wednesday in Guwahati but insisted she would play the final. South Africa are expected to stick with their winning combination.
Players to Watch
| Team | Batters | Bowlers |
|---|---|---|
| India | Smriti Mandhana (in good rhythm, scored two fifties and one century in last five outings), Harmanpreet Kaur (scored 89 in semifinal, seeking World Cup glory), Jemimah Rodrigues (century in semifinal) | Shree Charani (22 wickets in 17 ODIs, 2/49 in semifinal), Deepti Sharma (highest wicket-taker in tournament), Renuka Singh |
| South Africa | Laura Wolvaardt (169 in semifinal against England, 5,121 ODI runs), Nadine de Klerk (unbeaten 84 and 2-52 in league match vs India), Marizanne Kapp | Nonkululeko Mlaba (50 wickets in 45 ODIs, consistent World Cup run), Ayabonga Khaka, Marizanne Kapp |
Pitch Report & Weather
DY Patil Stadium Pitch
The DY Patil Stadium pitch has been a batter’s dream this World Cup, boasting the highest run rate (5.72) among all venues and a wicket every 34.5 runs. The red-soil pitch generally offers pace and bounce early on, which could benefit seamers before spinners come into play as the match progresses.
Reports suggest that the same pitch used in India’s league-stage clash against New Zealand, where the hosts scored a commanding 340, will be used for the final. A score in the 250–270 range is expected to challenge both sides.
Weather Forecast
Light rain has already brushed the city on Saturday, and forecasts for Sunday suggest more of the same. Around 2 pm, conditions show light rain with 25% precipitation, 31°C, 65% humidity, and winds of 18 km/h. By 5 pm, temperatures may drop to around 26–29°C, with humidity climbing close to 80%.
Dew is expected to play a major role in the second innings, making chasing potentially advantageous. A reserve day is available on Monday if needed.
What to Expect
This final promises to be a landmark moment for women’s cricket. India last met South Africa in the league stage on October 9, where South Africa beat India by three wickets in Visakhapatnam.
India will turn up at DY Patil stadium for their fourth game in a row, having won the previous three. South Africa have not played at this venue during the World Cup, which could give India a slight familiarity advantage.
With the pitch favoring batters and dew likely to assist the chasing team, winning the toss could be crucial. Both teams have match-winners throughout their lineup, and the contest could come down to who handles pressure better in front of an expected crowd of over 30,000.
Prediction
India enter as slight favorites playing at home with momentum from their stunning semifinal win. However, South Africa have shown they can win from tough situations. Expect a high-scoring thriller with the team batting second having an advantage. Our pick: India to win their first World Cup title in a close finish.