KEY POINYS
- South Africa and India have reached the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final.
- Both teams have overcome significant challenges, with South Africa rising from earlier humiliations and India stunning Australia in their semi-final.
- Sunidhi Chauhan will electrify the final with a spectacular mid-innings performance, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the World Cup finale.
ISLAMABAD: The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is on the verge of an unprecedented finale. For the first time in the history of the tournament, neither Australia nor England will contest for the coveted trophy.
Instead, South Africa and India, two nations with contrasting cricketing legacies, have defied the odds to set the stage for a showdown that promises to shape the future of women’s cricket on Sunday at Navi Mumbai.
The Journey to the Final: Unlikely Heroes and New Beginnings
Both teams have battled through adversity to reach this point. South Africa’s journey to the final has been a tale of resilience.
After being humiliated by dismissals of 69 all out and 97 all out in earlier tournaments, they have pulled themselves together with remarkable determination.
South Africa’s lineup has witnessed the rise of new finishers and unsung heroes who have made a significant impact.
A team once written off now stands tall, having overcome massive challenges, and will look to rewrite their history on the biggest stage.
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India, on the other hand, has had a roller-coaster ride to the final. They entered the knockout stages despite not having beaten any of the three teams that finished above them on the points table.
However, when the pressure was at its peak, India responded with courage, overturning their previous defeats.
In one of the most electrifying moments of the tournament, India stunned the mighty Australians in their semi-final clash, defeating them in front of an electric home crowd in Navi Mumbai. The win not only revived their fortunes but injected belief into the entire nation.
The two teams have already made their mark on the tournament. South Africa’s massive semi-final victory over England in Guwahati was a defining moment, and India’s victory over Australia has added to the magic of this World Cup.
Now, as they prepare for a historic final, they stand at the edge of a new era, with both nations poised to become world champions for the first time.
The Big Day: A New Champion Awaits
On Sunday, one of these teams will walk away with their first-ever World Cup title. The stakes are higher than ever, not just for the players but for the countries they represent.
Both South Africa and India have worked hard to address the socio-cultural barriers hindering women’s access to education, employment, and sporting opportunities.
A victory on Sunday could serve as a powerful beacon of change, inspiring millions of young girls across these nations to pursue their dreams in cricket, and sports in general.
In South Africa, players like Nonkululeko Mlaba, who overcame immense challenges growing up in underprivileged areas, could become household names, just as Kranti Gaud from India could inspire the next generation of women cricketers. Regardless of who wins, this final marks the beginning of a new chapter for women’s cricket, particularly in these two nations.
India’s Singer Sunidhi Chauhan to Lead Mid-Innings Show at World Cup Final in Navi Mumbai
India’s renowned singing sensation Sunidhi Chauhan is set to light up the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Final in Navi Mumbai, adding a dazzling touch to the much-awaited clash between India and South Africa.
One of India’s singing greats, Sunidhi Chauhan will light up the #CWC25 Final 🔥https://t.co/QoaTgb5WLT
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 1, 2025
Known for her powerful voice and decades of contribution to Indian music, Sunidhi will captivate the audience with an electrifying performance. She will be accompanied by a group of 60 dancers and a special-effects fireworks display designed by celebrated choreographer Sanjay Shetty.
The mid-innings show will feature a laser light spectacle, 350 mast cast performers, and a breathtaking drone display, making it a visual and auditory feast that will be remembered for years to come.
Beyond her performance during the game, Sunidhi Chauhan will also perform the Indian national anthem before the start of the summit clash, while the South African anthem will be sung by Cape Town’s Tarynn Bank. As one of India’s most iconic voices, with over 50 million records sold worldwide, Sunidhi’s involvement in the event adds an extra layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere.
Her international acclaim, including a historic performance opening for Coldplay in 2015, only adds to the significance of her role in this grand finale.
With India in the final, Sunidhi promises an unforgettable experience for fans, ensuring that the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Final will be a historic celebration of both music and sport.
Fresh Era: Challenging the Old Guard
With no Australia or England in the final, the message is clear: the dominance of the traditional cricketing giants may be coming to an end. The rise of India and South Africa in this World Cup is proof that the field is now more competitive than ever, and the future of women’s cricket is bright.
Both teams have shown that even without being the favourites, it is possible to reach the summit of world cricket. India’s defeat of Australia in the semi-final, followed by South Africa’s elimination of England, proves that a World Cup final is not just for the top teams of the tournament.
As the game moves forward, this final could inspire other nations to aim higher, knowing that they too can reach the final stage.
The Players to Watch: Impact Performers
As the final approaches, all eyes will be on a select few players who can turn the game in their team’s favour. For India, Shafali Verma will be crucial at the top of the order.
Known for her explosive batting, Shafali has the ability to take the game away from any opposition, as seen in her past performances against South Africa. She has been in and out of form but could very well shine when it matters the most.
Her last ODI half-century came in 2022, but this could be the perfect stage for her to announce her return to the big stage.
For South Africa, Nadine de Klerk has been a revelation. Her knock of 84* off 54 balls against India in the group stages was a standout performance, and she has been one of the most consistent players in the tournament.
De Klerk’s ability to strike boundaries at will, combined with her bowling, makes her a key figure in South Africa’s quest for victory. With ten sixes to her name in the tournament, she has shown she can turn the game around in the blink of an eye.
Nadine de Klerk’s all-round abilities will be tested again, especially in the batting-friendly conditions of Navi Mumbai, where she could exploit her aggressive stroke play. India, meanwhile, will rely on Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma to provide the stability in their middle order and control the game. Kaur, who has led India admirably, will need to guide her team through the high-pressure moments of the final, with the support of a well-balanced squad.
The Venue: Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai will play host to this historic final, a ground that has witnessed plenty of action throughout the tournament. The conditions here have favoured the batters so far, and it is expected to be no different in the final.
Temperatures will hover around 31°C with some dew expected later in the match, which could be a factor during the chase. Both teams will have to adapt to these conditions quickly, but South Africa will be at a disadvantage, as they have not played in Navi Mumbai this tournament.
The rain gods may also play their part, with unseasonal rains expected in the area. A reserve day is in place to ensure the match can be completed without interruptions, but the teams will have to stay focused despite the uncertainty.
The Battle of the Titans
This final is not just about cricket; it is about change. A victory will not only make history but could change the future of women’s cricket in both nations. For South Africa, the prospect of lifting the World Cup is a dream that seemed impossible only a few years ago. For India, the stakes are even higher: after reaching the final twice before, this is their moment to finally lift the trophy and achieve what they narrowly missed in 2005 and 2017.
Whatever the outcome, this final promises to be a fitting conclusion to a tournament that has captured the hearts of millions. The players, the teams, and the fans are ready to make history, and come Sunday night, a new world champion will be crowned.
Statistics and Trivia
- Nonkululeko Mlaba has kept Smriti Mandhana quiet in ODIs, dismissing her three times in seven innings.
- Jemimah Rodrigues faces off against her Delhi Capitals teammate Marizanne Kapp, with Kapp having dismissed her twice.
- Deepti Sharma will be tasked with containing Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa’s top run-scorer.
- South Africa has hit 31 sixes this World Cup, the most by any team.
- India will play their third World Cup final, having lost the previous two in 2005 and 2017.
