Harmanpreet Kaur Keeps XI, India Ready for Women's World Cup Final
Harmanpreet Kaur Keeps XI, India Ready for Women's World Cup Final
India vs South Africa in Navi Mumbai: rain delay, unchanged XIs, and Harmanpreet Kaur's plans to set a strong total in the World Cup final.
NAVI MUMBAI: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final at the DY Patil Sports Academy. The start was delayed nearly two hours by heavy rain, but no overs were lost. The toss and delay added drama to a sell-out day as players prepared for one of the biggest matches of the year. The two teams both named unchanged XIs from their semifinal victories, underscoring how well each side believed it had found rhythm at the right moment.
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur said she would have opted to bowl first given the overcast conditions, but stressed the importance of executing their plan once play begins. “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,” she said, hinting at a confident approach despite the early setback. The pitch was described as slightly sticky due to the rain, with the outfield damp but expected to settle after five or six overs, offering both teams a fair contest as the day progresses.
With the start now underway, the focus shifts to India’s bowling attack and South Africa’s chase as the surface begins to play its true nature. The venue’s atmosphere is set to crackle with anticipation as fans expect a tightly fought final, where rhythm and patience will matter as much as power. Both sides will be keen to seize momentum early, knowing a World Cup title is on the line here in Navi Mumbai.
Cover image source: Indian women create history, win ODI World Cup after beating South Africa by 52 runs 🔗
