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India have a shot at making history as they hope to win a maiden ICC title when they square off against an equally matched opponent in South Africa.
Time to create history. (PTI Photo)
“Agar silver jeeti toh aaj nahi toh kal log tanne bhool javenge; gold jeeti toh misaal ban javegi; aur misaalein di jaati hai beta, bhooli nahi jaati.”
(If you win silver, people will forget you tomorrow. If you win gold, you will become a role model – and role models are remembered, not forgotten.)
So said Aamir Khan, portraying Mahavir Singh Phogat in the 2016 Bollywood film Dangal, to his elder daughter Geeta before her gold medal match at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. It was Geeta’s chance to etch her name in history as the first Indian woman to win a wrestling gold at the CWG.
A similar situation awaits the Indian women’s cricket team, which on Sunday (November 2) in Navi Mumbai, will have the chance to create history by winning their maiden ICC title.
India have reached the Women’s ODI World Cup final twice before, only to finish runners-up both times. Now, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has a chance to end India’s long wait when they face Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa at DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
In 1983, when Kapil Dev’s team defeated the mighty West Indies at Lord’s, it changed the course of Indian cricket. A victory on Sunday – against South Africa and in front of home fans – could do the same for women’s cricket.
But it’s a task easier said than done.
India’s spirits are high after chasing down a record 339-run target against Australia in the semi-final on October 30. Like Australia, South Africa present a formidable challenge. The Africans have already beaten India once in this tournament, and like India, they’ve reached the final after a convincing win over a former world champion in England.
While many believe that in this “year of firsts” the title belongs to India, it’s worth remembering that South Africa are also chasing their first-ever ICC trophy in women’s cricket. In fact, this is the first time any South African team – men’s or women’s – has reached a 50-over World Cup final.
On paper and on the field, little separates the two sides. The Indian players know they must set aside the euphoria of the semi-final and prepare for the final test.
What men couldn’t, can women?
Playing in a World Cup is the pinnacle of any sportsperson’s career. Doing so in front of home fans is even more special. And playing the final at home? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
There’s no better feeling than winning the biggest prize on home soil – but equally, no greater heartbreak than losing it there.
The India men’s team experienced that pain in 2023, when they fell to Australia in the ODI World Cup final. Harmanpreet’s army would be aware of that.
Smriti’s Moment
Smriti Mandhana is arguably one of the greatest women’s cricketers of all time. The elegant left-hander tops the ODI rankings, leads India’s run charts in this tournament, and is the only batter to score over 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year in women’s cricket. Yet, she’s often criticised for underperforming in ICC knockout games.
In six ICC knockouts, Smriti’s scores read: 6, 0, 34, 11, 2, and 24 – a total of just 77 runs in six innings. Those numbers hardly reflect her class. Sunday gives her the perfect opportunity to silence critics and exorcise those demons.
Everyone who follows Indian cricket knows: if India are to lift the trophy, Smriti must fire.
What about Harman and Jemimah?
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues are the reason India are in the final. Their brilliant knocks of 89 and 127 against Australia, along with their 167-run stand for the third wicket, paved India’s path to the title clash.
But can they repeat that performance? There’s no doubt over it. Expectations will be sky-high.
However, in team sports, individuals can win matches – but only teams win titles. That’s what India must remember.
What South Africa Bring to the Table
South Africa’s journey has been somewhat similar to that of India’s. They began disastrously, bowled out for just 69 against England in their opener on October 3, but bounced back strongly, winning their next five games to reach the semi-final.
In the semis, they avenged their earlier defeat to England with a dominant 125-run victory.
This South African women’s team has already achieved what their men’s side never has – reaching an ODI World Cup final. Now, they have a chance to become the first African team ever to win a one-day World Cup.
And there’s no reason to think they can’t.
They have Laura Wolvaardt, arguably the greatest female player in their history and the tournament’s leading run-scorer. Add Marizanne Kapp, the all-time highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cups and a dependable middle-order batter; Sune Luus, the experienced former captain; Tazmin Brits, unpredictable yet impactful; and the all-round strength of Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk – and you have a team capable of anything.
Whatever the result, Sunday’s clash promises to be a final for the ages.
November 02, 2025, 08:55 IST
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