Rain Delays Toss in India vs South Africa Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Final
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – Rain and a wet outfield delayed the toss for the Women’s World Cup final between India and South Africa in Mumbai on Sunday. Both teams are looking for their first title in the 50-over tournament with a full house expected at the 45,000-capacity DY Patil Stadium. Toss was delayed by 30 minutes to 3:00 pm (0930 GMT) with the start revised to 3:30 pm, although more drizzle threatened to push that back again. India have been runners-up twice, in 2005 and 2017, and reached their third final after beating seven-time champions Australia in a thriller. South Africa’s women are into their first ODI World Cup final after they beat four-time winners England in the other semi-final.
Further updates show the toss was pushed back even more to 4:30 pm IST due to ongoing showers, with covers coming on and off as ground staff worked to dry the field. The cut-off time for starting to reduce overs is 5:00 pm IST, and extra time allows play until 9:08 pm IST for a minimum 20-over match. If needed, a reserve day on Monday will pick up from where play stopped. This final marks a fresh chapter in women’s cricket, with no Australia or England in the mix for the first time, setting the stage for a new champion.
Weather Woes and Stadium Atmosphere
Heavy rain has been a constant spoiler throughout the tournament, with five league games washed out. At DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the afternoon turned muggy with downpours hitting an hour before the original toss time. Sunshine peeked through briefly, allowing covers to be removed, but dark clouds and more showers kept everyone waiting. The pitch, made of red soil like the one used in India’s earlier match against New Zealand where they scored 340, tends to favour spinners later on.
Despite the wet conditions, the stadium buzzed with excitement. A jam-packed crowd of around 30,000 fans turned up, many in team colours, creating a lively vibe. Long queues formed for tickets that were not even available, showing the huge interest in this home final for India. Commentators noted how women’s cricket has grown, from doubts about sell-outs in 2017 to massive turnouts like the 80,000 at the 2020 final in Melbourne.
Team Lineups and Key Players to Watch
Both sides have stuck to their winning formulas from the semi-finals. India’s predicted XI includes openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, followed by Amanjot Kaur, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh as wicketkeeper, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Saima Thakor, Renuka Singh, and Shreyanka Patil. South Africa’s lineup features captain Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta as wicketkeeper, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Annerie Dercksen.
Standout performers include India’s Jemimah Rodrigues, who smashed a masterful 127 off 134 balls in the semi-final chase against Australia, turning the game with her calm batting. Harmanpreet Kaur has been a knockout star, averaging 155.50 in three World Cup knockout games with 311 runs. For South Africa, Wolvaardt’s 169 off 143 in the semi-final against England showed her class, while left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has taken 12 wickets at an average of 20.67. All-rounder Marizanne Kapp brings experience, and Chloe Tryon has troubled India before with 3/32 in the league stage.
Road to the Final for Both Teams
India’s journey was up and down, with losses to England, Australia, and South Africa in the group stage, but they peaked in the semi-final. Chasing 332 against Australia in Sharjah, they won by two wickets in a nail-biter, thanks to Rodrigues and Kaur’s partnership. This was their third final, after heartbreaks in 2005 (lost to Australia by 98 runs) and 2017 (lost to England by nine runs at Lord’s).
South Africa, long tagged as underachievers, broke through to their first ODI World Cup final. They collapsed against England (bowled out for 69) and Australia (97 all out) but bounced back to beat England by seven wickets in the semi-final, led by Wolvaardt’s century. This team has shed the “chokers” label that plagued their men’s side, focusing on calm basics and holding nerve in big moments.
In head-to-heads, India have won 15 of 29 ODIs against South Africa, but lost all three previous World Cup meetings. South Africa beat India by three wickets in the league stage in Visakhapatnam during this tournament.
Significance of the Match and Broader Impact
This final is a game-changer for women’s cricket, crowning a first-time winner and boosting the sport in both nations. For India, victory could spark a legacy like the 1983 men’s World Cup win, inspiring more girls to play amid growing domestic leagues. South Africa’s success would highlight the impact of professional contracts, building on their runner-up finish in the 2023 T20 World Cup.
Captains shared their thoughts: Harmanpreet stressed enjoying the pressure and mental strength, while Wolvaardt focused on slowing the game and doing the basics longer. With rain playing a role, the team that adapts best could lift the trophy. Fans hope for clear skies soon, as this clash promises thrilling cricket between two evenly matched sides.
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