Whatever the result in the ICC Women’s World Cup final between India and South Africa at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, history will be made on Sunday.
For the first time since the tournament was first played in the 1980s, there will be a new winner.
South Africa reached their maiden final thanks to a spectacular rout of England, bouncing back from a 10-wicket defeat against the same opposition in their opening fixture.
India produced a masterclass in how to pace a chase to send defending campions, Australia, crashing out.
The hosts have been in a final twice before – in 2005 and 2017 – but fell short on both occasions.
They will enjoy the support of the home crowd to nudge them along, but a sort of mystical presence always surrounds South African teams on big occasions like this.
A 'WOLV' IN CAPTAIN'S CLOTHING
Laura Wolvaardt has led from the front and tops the run-scoring charts with 470, off the back of her 169 against England in the semifinal en-route to the 5 000-run mark in ODIs.
But she is the only South African in the top ten. India have three players in those ranks-Smriti Mandhana (second), Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur - each adding depth to the hosts’ batting blueprint.
DING, DONG: DE KLERK'S BELLS ARE GONNA CHIME
While Wolvaardt has carried the bulk of the batting load, Nadine de Klerk has quietly become South Africa’s silent assassin.
Her average of 63.33 is the second best for the Proteas and her strike rate of 136.69 is the best in the tournament (for players who played in more than one match).
De Klerk’s ability to accelerate late in the innings and absorb pressure has been pivotal in turning stumbles into surges.
BOWLED OVER: KAPP AN CO TO THE RESCUE
But it’s the bowlers that have been the architects of success for South Africa.
When the batting has failed, they’ve stepped up. Chief among the destroyers has been Marizanne Kapp.
A ferocious competitor and veteran of the women’s game, her 12 wickets at 15.33, including a five-for against England, has been instrumental.
Nonkululeko Mlaba’s left-arm spin has added bite, claiming 12 wickets at 20.66, while Chloe Tryon’s underrated spells have chipped in with key breakthroughs.
Not to forget another veteran, Masabata Klaas, who has been critical in stifling the scoring when the bowlers haven't had much to play with.
Whether it’s swing, spin or sheer stubbornness, this attack has turned pressure into platforms.
MESO MAGIC: THE FUTURE'S ALREADY HERE
So much about this tournament has been about firsts and Karabo Meso is another one for that ever-growing list.
Just a day after her 18th birthday, she became the youngest wicketkeeper at the World Cup – male or female.
Her sharp cricketing IQ, quick running between the wickets and calm presence behind the stumps have made her one to watch.
She might not feature in the final, but if this is the new era, Meso will be the Morning Star.
MYSTIC MZANSI: BIG MATCH, BIG MOOD
India will have the support of the home crowd to nudge them along, but a sort of mystical presence always surrounds South African teams on big occasions like this.
Whether it’s belief, bounce-back energy or just the right kind of chaos, they’ve arrived with momentum and a touch of magic.
TACTICAL TANGLES AND MENTAL MUSCLE
This final isn’t just a clash of talent – it’s a test of temperament. Both sides have shown they can recover from setbacks, recalibrate under pressure and execute with precision while making history for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
South Africa’s bounce-back from their opening defeat was more than just tactical – it was psychological in light of the Curse That Shan't be Named that has haunted the country across the men and women's tournaments for so many years.
India’s chase against Australia wasn’t just clinical – it was composed.
Expect field placements to be chess-like, bowling changes to be surgical and every run to be earned, not gifted, especially if Kapp is in a mood.
WATERSHED, JUST NOT FROM THE HEAVENS
There’s a quiet theatre to this final – layers of redemption, rivalry, and rising stars.
For South Africa, it’s a chance to shed the “nearly” tag that’s haunted them across formats.
For India, it’s about converting promise into silverware on home soil.
Behind every delivery and every dive will be years of preparation, heartbreak and hope.
And watching on will be millions more as the next generation of young cricketers go play pretend and fight over who is going to be Laura or Marizanne or Karabo or Chloe.
So long as the weather gods get the memo!
SIDEBAR STATS
COOL UNDER PRESSURE: SA'S X-FACTOR WATCHLIST
Laura Wolvaardt – The Architect
Runs: 470
Avg: 67.14
SR: 97.91
The tournament’s top scorer. Her innings are built brick by brick –anchoring, absorbing, and accelerating when it counts.
Nadine de Klerk – The Finisher
Avg: 63.33
SR: 136.69
HS: 84
South Africa’s secret weapon with the bat. Calm, clinical and always on time.
Marizanne Kapp – The Enforcer
Wkts: 12
Avg: 15.33
Econ: 3.83
Big-game hunter. Her 5-20 against England flipped the script – and the semi.
Nonkululeko Mlaba – The Silent Switcher
Wkts: 12
Econ: 4.86
Left-arm spin with bite. Keeps things tight, then pounces.
Chloe Tryon – The Gamebreaker
Best Bowling: 3-32
SR: 45.6
Not flashy, but always timely. Her spells are pressure valves in disguise.
