WODI World Cup final: SA elect to field against India

WODI World Cup final: SA elect to field against India

The 2025 ICC Women's World Cup is set to witness a new champion as India take on South Africa in the final.

Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium is hosting the grand finale.

India miraculously beat defending champions Australia in the semi-finals, and South Africa overcame England to reach this stage.

SA captain Laura Wolvaardt has won the toss and elected to field against India.

A look at Playing XIs

India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, and Renuka Singh Thakur.

South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wicket-keeper), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, and Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Past World Cup finals and head-to-head record

India have reached the Women's World Cup final twice before, in 2005 and 2017. They lost to Australia and England, respectively.

Meanwhile, South Africa have reached their maiden World Cup final in the 50-over format.

According to ESPNcricinfo, India and SA have squared off in 34 WODIs so far. India have the upper hand with a 20-13 win-loss record over South Africa (NR: 1).

Key players to watch out for

Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored an unbeaten 127 in the semi-final against Australia, is a key player for India.

Laura Wolvaardt is the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 470 runs at 67.14. With 389 runs at 55.57, Smriti Mandhana is second.

Deepti Sharma is the joint-leading wicket-taker of the tournament, having scalped 17 wickets at 24.12.

Marizanne Kapp has 12 wickets at 15.33.

What happens if rain plays spoilsport?

While the stage is set, the toss was already delayed by the downpour.

The latest forecast predicts a 25-50% chance of rain throughout the day, with high humidity and partly cloudy skies likely to create stop-start conditions during play.

A reserve day has been set aside for the final on Monday, November 3, in case rain disrupts play on Sunday, November 2.