Final showdown: India vs South Africa
On Sunday, cricket fans in Mzansi and beyond will be glued to the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 as India Women take on South Africa Women.
It’s a historic moment for both sides in the ICC Women’s Final 2025: India chasing glory on home soil, South Africa aiming to break new ground. The build-up has been electric, the records tumbling, and the momentum shifting, this promises to be a proper jol.
Journeys to the ICC Women’s Final 2025
South Africa Women
The Proteas’ path to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. After a difficult opening, including a heavy defeat by England earlier in the tournament, they regrouped strongly. In the semi-final against England Women once again, in Guwahati they posted 319/7 thanks to a masterclass by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who hammered 169 runs in 143 balls with 20 fours and four sixes.
Then their bowling spear-headed by Marizanne Kapp (5-20) ripped England apart, 194 all out. South Africa clinched a 125-run win and secured their first ever 50-over World Cup final appearance.
Earlier in the tournament they had encountered ups and downs, including the earlier annihilation by England in the first match, which served as wake-up call. From that low they have soared, setting new benchmarks: their 319 is their highest total in a Women’s World Cup, and their 31 sixes in the tournament is the most by any team this edition.
So for South Africa it’s redemption, resilience and breaking the ceiling of “semi-final agony” into a final-slot reality.
India Women
Hosts India also have had a thrilling ride. Their defining moment came in the semi-final against the defending champions Australia Women at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Australia posted 338 in 49.5 overs, led by Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 and supporting fifties.
Then India responded with a stunning chase: 341/5 in 48.3 overs to win by five wickets, the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history (339 target) and the first time a team has successfully chased 300+ in a knockout match. In that innings, Jemimah Rodrigues smashed an unbeaten 127, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in 89, therefore forging a 167-run partnership for the third wicket.
Prior to that India had had mixed moments, such as a record-setting knock by Richa Ghosh (94 at No. 8) against South Africa, the first time a woman batted No.8 or below to score 80+ in a women’s ODI. So India swallow big moments, thrive under pressure, and have peaked at the right time.
Record-smashing performances
Both teams have rewritten the record book in this cricket tournament:
- India’s 341/5 chase of 339 vs Australia is the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history.
- South Africa’s 319/7 vs England is their highest Women’s World Cup total and the second-highest total in a knockout Women’s World Cup match.
- South Africa’s 31 sixes this tournament is the most by any team in a Women’s ODI World Cup.
These are not just big numbers, they underline how both teams have lifted their games when it mattered, smashed past past ceilings and are now poised for the final.
Who will be favourites?
From a betting and performance-perspective, both teams carry serious credentials. India have the home crowd, the momentum of one of the most remarkable chases ever, as well as no small measure of belief in breaking through for a first title. South Africa have the under-dog tag, a breakout semi-final performance, and a hunger to finally step out of the “also-ran” zone.
If I had to tip: India would be slight favourites. Their chase of 339 shows they believe nothing is impossible, and playing at home gives them a boost. But South Africa are no push-overs – their balance of bat and ball in the semi tells you this final is far from done.
Key players to watch in the ICC Women’s Final 2025
South Africa
- Laura Wolvaardt: Her 169 in the semi-final was a statement innings – high class, high pressure, huge impact.
- Marizanne Kapp: All-round force – her 5-20 with the ball in the semi turned the match. She brings experience, leadership and match-winning ability.
- Ayabonga Khaka and the seam attack: Khaka struck early in the semi-final to rattle England’s top order. South Africa’s bowling attack has lifted when it counted.
India
- Jemimah Rodrigues: That 127* in the semi-final – composed, aggressive, and anchoring. She is blossoming into a world-class performer under pressure.
- Harmanpreet Kaur: The captain. Her 89 in the chase shows she leads from the front. Her experience is vital.
- Richa Ghosh: The record-setting lower-order hero who can change the game in the later overs.
- Also keep an eye on India’s spin and death-bowling units – they will need to bowl well if South Africa bat first.
Odds on the ICC Women’s Final 2025
Here are the betting odds (approximate) from major South African facing bookmakers for the ICC Women’s Final 2025:
- Hollywoodbets: India Women ~ 1.65, South Africa Women ~ 2.10
- Betway: India Women ~ 1.60, South Africa Women ~ 2.20
- playTSOGO: India Women ~ 1.63, South Africa Women ~ 2.15
- Mzansibet: India Women ~ 1.64, South Africa Women ~ 2.12
- PlayBet: India Women ~ 1.62, South Africa Women ~ 2.18
- SuperSportBET: India Women ~ 1.55, South Africa Women ~ 2.30
- gbets: India Women ~ 1.65, South Africa Women ~ 2.10
- 10bet: India Women ~ 1.60, South Africa Women ~ 2.20
- Easybet: India Women ~ 1.63, South Africa Women ~ 2.17
(NB: Odds subject to change as markets move – always check latest before placing your bet.)
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Final word
Sunday’s ICC Women’s Final 2025 is more than a match, it’s a moment for women’s cricket, with new narratives, fresh milestones and legacy on the line. India are chasing their first Women’s ODI World Cup crown; South Africa are ending years of semi-final heartbreak and stepping into the spotlight.
Whether you’re backing the home side or riding the Proteas’ brave run, expect fireworks. The run-chases, the records broken, the bold batting and clutch bowling have all led us here.
For punters in South Africa: look at the value in South Africa Women at ~2.10 odds – a strong chance for an upset. But if you favour the favourites, India’s 1.60-1.65 tag is understandable.
Aweh, time to enjoy the final, let the best team win, and may your bets land lekker. Good luck, and let’s see who lifts the trophy on Sunday!
