India Women vs South Africa Women, Final

The final showdown of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 pits India Women against South Africa Women at the iconic Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. Recently, India Women have displayed remarkable consistency, winning key matches in the tournament with significant contributions from their top-order batters and spinners. Their potent middle order, combined with sharp fielding and bowling variations, gives India a tactical edge. On the other hand, South Africa Women come into the final with aggressive momentum, showcased through dominant batting performances and an evolving bowling attack capable of applying pressure in the middle overs. Historically, India has had a slight upper hand in ODIs versus South Africa with victory in 60% of their clashes, but South Africa's recent form indicates a narrowing gap. Strategically, India may capitalize on their spin-friendly conditions at Dr DY Patil, deploying their spinners early to restrict runs and exert control. South Africa will likely rely on power hitting and fast bowling to unsettle Indian batters, attempting to capitalize during powerplay overs and death overs. Key players such as India's star all-rounder and lead spinner will play a pivotal role, whereas South Africa's explosive opener and strike bowler will be crucial to set the tone. Considering all factors including form, team balance, and home advantage, India Women hold a marginal advantage but the match promises to be fiercely competitive.

AI suggested match winner: India Women: 55%, South Africa Women: 45%

If India Women bat first, leveraging the familiar pitch conditions at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, they can be expected to post a competitive total around 260-270 runs. Their solid batting lineup and ability to rotate strike effectively often results in a sustained innings without many collapse episodes. Conversely, South Africa Women batting first could also aim for a similar range of 250-265 runs, given their aggressive stroke play and capacity to accelerate in the last 10 overs. The pitch tends to offer balance between bat and ball, so a total in the high 250s will demand disciplined bowling and energetic fielding from the chasing side. The final will likely see both teams target 260 as a par score, making it an engaging contest between batters and bowlers.

The pitch at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy is traditionally balanced but slightly favors spin as the game progresses. Average first-innings scores here hover around 255 runs in women's ODIs, suggesting moderate scoring opportunities. Chasing teams have a win percentage of approximately 52%, highlighting the pitch's fairness for both innings. Weather on November 2nd is predicted to be sunny with minimal chance of rain, with temperatures around 30°C and light winds, ideal for cricket. Best Batsman on ground (from these teams): Smriti Mandhana (India Women) holds the record for highest individual score against South Africa here, scoring 112*. Best Bowler on ground: Shabnim Ismail (South Africa Women) with a four-wicket haul in previous matches on this ground. This final is expected to be played on a surface offering turn in the middle overs, testing both teams' adaptability and skill.

Matches Played	India Women Wins	South Africa Women Wins	Draw/No Result
20	12	7	1

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
India Women	W, W, L, W, W
South Africa Women	W, L, W, W, L

Smriti Mandhana – India's elegant opener boasts a high strike rate and has been consistent in the tournament, with two fifties in last 3 innings.

Mithali Raj – The veteran batswoman anchors India's innings and adapts flawlessly to match situations, recently scoring crucial 70+ runs in the semifinals.

Poonam Yadav – India's key spinner, has taken 8 wickets in the tournament so far, often breaking partnerships at crucial moments.

Lizelle Lee – South Africa’s explosive opener has scored heavily in recent matches with a 90 and a quickfire 60, setting strong foundations.

Dane van Niekerk – The captain and all-rounder, instrumental with both bat and ball, currently averages above 40 with bat and a strike bowler with tight economy.

Shabnim Ismail – South Africa’s pace spearhead, known for early breakthroughs; has bowled at high speeds and taken multiple key wickets in the tournament.