India captain Harmanpreet Kaur put on a brave face despite losing a crucial toss in the final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 in Navi Mumbai. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt called correctly after Harmanpreet spun the coin, with the toss taking place following a two-hour delay due to rain on Sunday, December 2.
It was a vital toss to win, as South Africa seized the early advantage by opting to bowl, with the weather forecast not looking promising for the rest of the evening. The Proteas will have the benefit of knowing what to chase, even if the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method comes into play.
IND vs SA, Women’s World Cup Final live
Despite the two-hour delay, no overs were reduced for the grand final — India’s third appearance in the 50-over format after 2005 and 2017.
Harmanpreet conceded that India had also planned to bowl first but said batting initially gives them an opportunity to post a strong total and apply pressure on the South Africans in the high-stakes contest.
“We would’ve bowled first as well, given the weather and conditions. But yeah, it’s an important game, and somehow it feels like we’re back in rhythm. Hopefully, we can bat freely and put up a strong total on the board,” Harmanpreet said.
The final is being played at the DY Patil Stadium, which also hosted the semi-final between India and Australia on Thursday. In that game, India chased down 338 to script a world record for the highest successful chase in women’s ODIs.
Harmanpreet, however, hinted that the pitch might not aid free-flowing stroke play as much as it did in the semi-final.
“This one’s a little sticky (pitch) because of the rain and the overhead conditions. The outfield is slightly damp too, but I think after five or six overs it should settle down nicely. We’ll try to do the same things again — play with intent, stay positive, and back our plans,” she said.
Meanwhile, both India and South Africa remained unchanged for the big final. India resisted the temptation to bring in Harleen Deol, sticking with Shafali Verma, who replaced the in-form Pratika Rawal after the latter suffered an injury.
IND vs SA, TEAM NEWS
India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (w), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur.
South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (w), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
– Ends
