India will be eyeing a historic triumph when they face South Africa in the final of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The much-awaited clash is set to take place on Sunday (November 2) at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.
The Women in Blue have qualified for the final after a historic win over defending champions Australia in the semifinal. India had their back against the wall after the seven-time world champions posted a mammoth total of 338 runs.
Only once had a team chased down a 200-plus target in the semifinal or final of the Women’s World Cup. The odds were stacked firmly against Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates. However, the hosts delivered a stunning batting display to chase down the total inside 49 overs.
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Jemimah Rodrigues starred with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 127, while Harmanpreet scored 89 as India pulled off the highest successful chase in Women’s ODIs.
With India now eyeing their first-ever World Cup, we are taking a look at the India Playing XI for the upcoming final against South Africa:
India Women Playing XI vs South Africa- Final, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025:
Openers: Shafali Varma, Smriti Mandhana
Shafali Varma and Smriti Mandhana are set to open the innings in the final, and the onus will be on them to give the team a good start with the bat.
Varma played her first match in the ongoing World Cup when she was named in the Playing XI for the semifinal clash against Australia.
She was not a part of the original squad and was named as a replacement for Pratika Rawal, who suffered an ankle injury. Verma scored 10 runs against Australia and will be eyeing a big score in the final.
Mandhana will be one of the most important players, and she will be desperate to deliver with the bat.
The southpaw has looked in good rhythm in recent times and will look to score big. In her last five outings, Mandhana has scored two fifties and one century.
Middle-order batters and allrounders: Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w)
Jemimah Rodrigues was the star performer for India in their historic win over Australia. She scored an unbeaten 127 runs to help India chase down 338. With form on her side, Jemimah will look to score big again.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is just one win away from creating history. She has the opportunity to become the first-ever national captain to lead the team to World Cup glory.
She led the team from the front in the semifinal by scoring 89 runs and will be eyeing a similar performance in the title-decider.
Amanjot Kaur scored an unbeaten 15 off just 8 balls to help India chase down the total with ease in the end. With the ball, she gave away 51 runs in 8 overs and picked up 1 wicket.
Deepti Sharma, who is the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing tournament, did not have a good outing with bat or ball in the semifinal. With the ball, she conceded 73 runs in 9.5 overs while taking 2 wickets before scoring 24 runs.
Richa Ghosh played a crucial cameo with the bat in the last game. She hit two sixes and as many fours to score 26 runs off just 16 balls. The last time the Women in Blue faced South Africa in the ongoing tournament, Richa had scored 94 runs and will look to make a big impact again.
Bowlers: Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur
The Playing XI is likely to have two specialist pacers and two spinners. Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Gaud are set to lead the pace attack, while Radha Yadav and Shree Charani will be the two spinners.
The bowlers had a forgettable outing against Australia and will be eyeing a better performance in the final.
