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India and South Africa are in for a humdinger of a contest to determine a new reigning champion of the 50-over game with the marquee final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 on Sunday, November 2. Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil Sports Academy ground plays host to the tournament’s biggest encounter that could transform the landscape of women’s cricket in either nation. After facing a painstaking loss against them in the league stage, Team India turned the tables on the mighty Aussies and defeated them in a memorable semi-final on Thursday, October 30. Great knocks from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89) and Jemimah Rodrigues (127*) propelled the hosts to the massive target of 339 and secured their place in the summit clash. For Proteas, the victory over hot favorites England was an equally impressive result, signaling an inspiring comeback from the embarrassment of 69 all out and a ten-wicket hammering endured versus the same opposition in the first round. Like India rallied on the shoulders of Jemimah’s marvelous hundred, the Proteas had the foundation to their win laid by the skipper Wolvaardt and her tremendous 169. The South Africans would take heart from their league stage triumph against the Indians, beating them in a hard-fought encounter in Visakhapatnam. But the history suggests it is the Women in Blue that hold the advantage after winning 20 and losing only 13 of their previous 34 One-Day International clashes. In what is shaping up to be a close fight between two fantastic sides with varied strengths, it will come down to temperament and zeal under pressure. Weather Forecast An eye will be kept on the weather forecast in Navi Mumbai for the much-anticipated final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. This World Cup has already seen several matches washed out or abandoned mid-way through. India and South Africa can expect a hazy setting on a partly cloudy afternoon in the city. Temperatures are expected to float between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius, with humidity close to 80 per cent and a wind blowing up to 16 km/hour. Is there a reserve day? Yes, a reserve day has been scheduled for the final. If Sunday’s play doesn’t see at least 20 overs per side, the match will continue on Monday. In case rain washes out both days, the teams will share the trophy.
