South Africa will have to rewrite history if they are to beat India in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Chasing 299, they face the tough challenge of overhauling the highest successful pursuit ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup final.
India’s total of 298 for seven, built on composed half-centuries from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, is the second-highest total ever posted in a Women’s ODI World Cup final. Given the stage and the pressure of the occasion, South Africa’s chase will test not just their batting depth but also their composure against a disciplined Indian attack and a roaring home crowd.
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For context, the highest successful chase in a Women’s World Cup final came in 2009, when England overhauled New Zealand’s 166 to finish at 167 for six and lift the trophy. Since then, no team has managed to chase down more than 170 in a title clash, underlining the steep task ahead for South Africa tonight.
Highest successful chases in Women’s World Cup finals
167 – England vs New Zealand (2009)
165 – Australia vs New Zealand (1997)
152 – Australia vs England (1982)
129 – Australia vs England (1988)
After a two-hour delay caused by a damp outfield, India were asked to bat first and made the most of the opportunity. Shafali and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (45) provided a blistering start, putting on 104 for the opening wicket at nearly seven runs an over.
Shafali, recalled for the semi-final against Australia following Pratika Rawal’s injury, extended her fine form with her first ODI fifty in over three years — her fifth overall, before being dismissed for 87 off 78 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes.
South Africa hit back through Ayabonga Khaka (3 for 58 from nine overs) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (1 for 47), who halted India’s early momentum and prevented them from breaching the psychological 300-run mark.
Khaka’s double strike accounted for Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues (24), while Mlaba dismissed skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20) just as her partnership with Deepti was beginning to take shape.
Deepti then held the innings together with a steady 58 from as many deliveries, her 18th ODI half-century and third of the tournament, adding crucial runs with Richa Ghosh (34 off 24 balls) before Khaka returned to remove the latter in the penultimate over.
History is not on South Africa’s side, but in sport, records are there to be broken. The Proteas will need something truly special to script their own in Navi Mumbai.
– Ends
