The grand finale of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup turned into a spectacular display of skill, passion and determination as the India women’s cricket team set a formidable target of 299 for South Africa with a spectacular batting display at the iconic Eden Park Stadium in Auckland on Sunday. The high-pressure contest attracted massive global attention, with fans keenly following India’s quest to reclaim the coveted trophy.
India’s strong start
After winning the toss and batting first, India showed its intentions from the initial overs. The opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a solid foundation by tackling the early swing and playing some great shots through cover and midwicket region. Their aggressive but composed partnership frustrated the South African bowlers, who struggled to find early success.
Mandhana’s fluent timing and Verma’s aggressive stroke play dictated the course of India’s innings. The two put on a 92-run partnership before Verma was out for 45 off 49 balls, attempting to loft one over mid-off but finding the fielder. However, Mandhana continued her brilliant form and scored a brilliant 89 runs in 104 balls with the help of 10 fours and a six.
Harmanpreet and Jemimah stabilize the middle order
After the fall of Mandhana’s wicket, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues took the innings forward. The pair rotated the strike effectively, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Harmanpreet, who is known for her ability to perform under pressure, played a captain’s innings, mixing patience with aggression.
Jemimah Rodrigues played the perfect supporting role, showcasing maturity and precision. Together, they added 86 runs for the fourth wicket, taking India closer to the 250-run mark. Harmanpreet’s half-century came off 57 balls, but her focus remained on building partnerships rather than quick boundaries.
Late Flourish from Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma
The final overs witnessed fireworks from India’s lower middle order. Richa Ghosh once again proved her finishing prowess, smashing 38 runs off just 22 balls, with three fours and two towering sixes. Her aggressive hitting in the last few overs pushed India’s total towards the imposing 299 mark.
Deepti Sharma, contributing 25 off 18 balls, played smartly, rotating the strike and finding the gaps. Their combined effort ensured that India capitalized fully on their strong start, leaving South Africa with a mountain to climb.
South African Bowling Struggles
For South Africa, the bowling unit had a tough day on the field. Despite an early disciplined spell by Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, they failed to break crucial partnerships. Ayabonga Khaka was the most successful bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 54 runs, while Masabata Klaas picked one wicket. However, the Indian batters neutralized South Africa’s pace attack with calculated aggression and intelligent running between the wickets.
Fielding lapses further added to South Africa’s woes, as dropped catches and misfields cost them valuable runs. The pressure of the final seemed to weigh heavily on the Proteas, especially during the middle overs when Harmanpreet and Jemimah dominated proceedings.
A Battle of Nerves Awaits
As South Africa prepared to chase 299 runs, the atmosphere in the stadium turned electric. The Indian supporters, waving tricolour flags and chanting slogans, filled the stands with vibrant energy. The Proteas, however, were not to be underestimated — with players like Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Sune Luus, they have the firepower to mount a strong challenge.
Yet, India’s bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Deepti Sharma, holds the key. With experience and depth in both pace and spin, India’s bowlers are expected to make life difficult for South Africa under lights.
India’s Road to the Final
India’s journey to the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final has been nothing short of exceptional. They topped the group stage table with dominant wins against England, New Zealand, and Pakistan. In the semi-final, they edged out defending champions Australia in a nail-biting finish, thanks to Mandhana’s composed 76 and Renuka’s crucial three-wicket haul.
The team’s consistency, fitness, and aggressive approach have made them one of the most balanced sides in the tournament. The blend of experienced campaigners like Harmanpreet and Mandhana, combined with young talents like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, has given India the edge in every department.
Fans Celebrate Across India
Back home, fans erupted in joy as India posted a mammoth total. Social media platforms flooded with congratulatory messages and excitement for what could be a historic victory. From Delhi to Mumbai and Chennai to Kolkata, cricket enthusiasts gathered in cafes, malls, and homes to cheer for the Women in Blue.
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) also praised the team’s fighting spirit, with officials expressing confidence that the bowlers would defend the total and bring the trophy home after a long wait since India’s last World Cup final appearance in 2017.
What Lies Ahead
As the final innings approaches, all eyes are on whether South Africa can chase down the challenging total or if India’s bowlers will rise to the occasion. With the pitch offering slight assistance to spinners and the pressure of the grand finale mounting, the second innings promises a thrilling contest of skill, patience, and nerves.
Whatever the outcome, the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final has already cemented its place in cricketing history — a celebration of women’s cricket at its finest, where India’s fearless batting display has given fans a match to remember.
