India stand on the cusp of history as they prepare to take on South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Just a fortnight ago, few would have believed they could come this close to realising their World Cup dream. Yet, the Women in Blue have silenced their critics with a jaw-dropping victory over defending champions Australia, chasing down the highest target in the history of women’s ODI cricket.
As India march into their third ODI World Cup final, there remain certain areas that need fine-tuning to ensure the dream is fulfilled.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side began their campaign with back-to-back wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, both victories were far from perfect, as the top order struggled against spin and suffered early collapses. On both occasions, it was the lower order that came to the rescue, guiding the team to competitive totals. Against Sri Lanka, a massive partnership between Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur steadied the innings, while a similar effort from the lower order salvaged the situation against Pakistan.
As the tournament progressed, India’s batting prowess finally came to the fore, with Smriti Mandhana rediscovering her golden touch and plundering runs at the top of the order. She was ably supported by Pratika Rawal, whose promising campaign ended prematurely due to an unfortunate ankle injury.
The Indian batting line-up unleashed its full potential on the grand stage of the semi-final, making light work of the mammoth target set by Australia and chasing it down with nine balls to spare. Despite the clinical victory, a few areas of concern still linger for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side.
Fielding Frailties
India’s fielding was below par throughout the first innings, as they conceded several easy boundaries and even dropped a catch offered by Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy. Although Healy was dismissed soon after for 5 (15), such lapses could prove costly on another day.
The fielding effort lacked the intensity befitting a semi-final. The Australians capitalised on India’s sluggishness, frequently turning singles into doubles. The lack of urgency in the field arguably gifted Australia an extra 20–30 runs. Come the grand final, the Women in Blue cannot afford similar lapses as one dropped catch could shatter their World Cup dream.
Proactive Running
During their time at the crease, Indian batters were occasionally guilty of poor communication, creating unnecessary run-out opportunities for the opposition. In the midst of a game-changing partnership, a run out is the last thing a team needs, as it can alter the course of the match entirely.
During the century stand between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur against Australia, there were several moments of hesitation and miscommunication that left the batters vulnerable. India cannot afford such mistakes in the final, especially given the haunting memory of Harmanpreet Kaur’s run out that led to India’s exit from the 2023 T20 World Cup.
Holding Nerves on the Big Stage
In the past, India have often come agonisingly close to winning major titles, only to falter under pressure. The 2017 World Cup final remains a painful reminder: requiring just 38 runs from 44 balls with seven wickets in hand, India succumbed to nerves and suffered a heartbreaking nine-run defeat.
The Commonwealth Games final in 2022 and the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final also bear witness to similar collapses under pressure. As India take the field in the 2025 World Cup final, they must not allow the magnitude of the occasion to overwhelm them. Maintaining composure will be key.
The semi-final triumph over Australia should have given them a tremendous confidence boost. If they can carry those lessons into the final and deliver another performance for the ages, they may finally claim the glory that has so long eluded them.
A date with destiny
As India women gear up for the biggest match in their cricketing history, every player in the dressing room knows what is at stake. Years of heartbreak, perseverance, and evolution have led to this moment. The Women in Blue have not only inspired a generation with their fearless cricket but have also shown that belief and resilience can script miracles on the global stage.
South Africa, too, have been formidable throughout the tournament, and Sunday’s final promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched sides. For India, the key will lie in executing their plans with clarity, holding their catches, running hard between the wickets, and keeping calm under pressure. With the balance of youth and experience in the squad, Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership could well make the defining difference.
No matter the result, this Indian team has already redefined what is possible in women’s cricket. Yet, destiny now beckons them to go one step further, to seize the moment and bring home the silverware that has long eluded them. If India can blend skill with composure and courage with conviction, the world might finally witness the Women in Blue lifting the coveted World Cup, turning a nation’s dream into a glorious reality.
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