History is unfolding at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where India and South Africa are battling for their maiden World Cup title. After a rain-delayed start, India posted 298/7, the second-highest total in a Women’s World Cup final, setting up a thrilling chase under lights.
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India vs South Africa: Match Summary at a Glance
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
| Date | November 2, 2025 |
| Toss | South Africa (elected to bowl) |
| India’s Score | 298/7 (50 overs) |
| Top Scorers | Shafali Verma (87), Deepti Sharma (58) |
| Best Bowlers | Ayabonga Khaka (3/58) |
| Match Status | South Africa chasing |
Shafali Verma’s Career-Defining Knock
After a rain delay of two hours, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana launched India’s innings with an explosive start, racing to 58 for no loss in just eight overs. The opening partnership blossomed into a commanding 104-run stand that laid the foundation for India’s imposing total.
Shafali scored a scintillating 87 runs to anchor India’s innings, but her journey wasn’t without fortune—Anneke Bosch dropped her on 55, a costly miss. The 22-year-old capitalized on that reprieve, smashing seven boundaries and two sixes in her 78-ball knock that showcased her maturity on the biggest stage.
South Africa’s Fightback
Just when India seemed poised to post 320-plus, South Africa’s bowlers fought back brilliantly, restricting India to just 69 runs in the final 10 overs. The Proteas’ comeback was spearheaded by Ayabonga Khaka, who overcame early struggles to claim three crucial wickets.
Nadine de Klerk delivered a masterclass in death bowling, conceding only six runs in the final over with pinpoint yorkers and slower balls. Her composure under pressure denied India the 300-mark they desperately sought.
Middle-Order Contributions Keep India Afloat
After Smriti Mandhana’s elegant 45 and promising starts from Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma held the innings together with her trademark composure. The veteran all-rounder’s unbeaten 58 off 58 balls proved vital in India’s recovery from a mid-innings wobble.
Richa Ghosh provided fireworks with 34 off 24 balls, consistently hitting the old ball cleanly through the line with three fours and two sixes. Her dismissal in the penultimate over effectively ended India’s hopes of a late surge.
The Path to This Historic Final
Both teams have earned their spots through remarkable semi-final victories. India pulled off arguably one of the greatest ODI chases against defending champions Australia, while South Africa dominated England with a 125-run win in Guwahati.
This final guarantees a new World Cup champion, as neither India nor South Africa has won the trophy before, unlike Australia, England, and New Zealand who have monopolized the tournament. For Indian cricket, this could be their 1983 moment in women’s cricket, potentially transforming the sport’s landscape in the country.
What Makes This Total Challenging?
At 298, India has set a formidable target, but concerns remain. The DY Patil Stadium has favored chasing teams due to dew, and South Africa’s batting lineup extends all the way to No. 9. The pitch has shown variable bounce and grip, with the ball holding up for both spinners and pace bowlers using cutters.
South Africa will draw confidence from their earlier group-stage thriller against India, where they successfully chased 252 with Nadine de Klerk’s heroic 84 not out. With Laura Wolvaardt in sublime form and dangerous finishers down the order, the Proteas possess the firepower to chase any target.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
This isn’t just about cricket—it’s about reshaping women’s sport in both nations. The winner will not only lift the trophy but also inspire millions of young girls back home. With 30,000-plus fans creating an electric atmosphere and the entire cricketing world watching, the stage is set for an unforgettable finale.
For complete live updates and scores, visit the official ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the highest score in a Women’s World Cup final?
A: India’s 298/7 is the second-highest total in a Women’s ODI World Cup final. The innings was built around Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 58, though India fell just short of the 300-mark.
Q: Has any team besides Australia, England, or New Zealand won the Women’s World Cup?
A: No. Australia has won seven titles, England four, and New Zealand one. The 2025 final between India and South Africa guarantees a first-time champion, marking a historic shift in women’s cricket’s power dynamics.
