The tension is high at Lord’s, London, as the India vs South Africa Women’s World Cup 2025 Final continues to unfold under bright afternoon skies.
India, after setting a competitive total earlier in the day, have come out firing with the new ball, putting the South African top order under immense pressure in the early overs.
South Africa’s Slow and Cautious Start
Chasing 247 runs to win, South Africa have approached their innings with care, knowing the importance of preserving wickets in the powerplay. Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits have been circumspect against India’s new-ball pair Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar, who have found movement and bounce right from the first over.
The Indian bowlers have maintained tight lines, not allowing South Africa’s batters any room to free their arms. After the first 10 overs, South Africa were 35 for 1, with Wolvaardt holding one end firm as Vastrakar struck with a peach to dismiss Brits.
Also Read : India’s Remarkable Win Over Australia in the Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final
India’s Bowling Dominance Early On
Skipper Smriti Mandhana’s on-field energy has been electric as she continues to rotate her bowlers smartly. Renuka Singh, swinging the ball both ways, tested the South African batters’ patience, while Deepti Sharma’s early introduction added spin pressure from the other end.
The Indian fielders have been sharp inside the ring, Jemimah Rodrigues’s athletic save at point and Harmanpreet Kaur’s intensity have lifted the team’s morale. India clearly know that early wickets are key to sealing this contest.
The First Innings – India Post a Competitive Total
Earlier in the day, India posted a total of 246/7 in 50 overs, thanks to a composed 83 from Smriti Mandhana and a quickfire 45 from Richa Ghosh. The South African bowlers, led by Marizanne Kapp, kept things tight in the middle overs, but India’s lower order contributed crucial runs to give the team a defendable score.
The pitch at Lord’s has shown signs of slowing down slightly, making stroke play tricky, something India’s spinners will look to exploit as the game progresses.
Also Read : Smriti Mandhana – Redefining the Peak of Perfection
Match Context and Current Scenario
At the halfway mark of the chase, South Africa will be aiming to build partnerships, while India will continue searching for breakthroughs.
The game remains finely poised; one wicket could tilt the balance heavily in India’s favour.
- Current Score: South Africa – 68/2 (17 overs)
- Target: 247
- Required Run Rate: 5.65 per over
With Wolvaardt still at the crease, South Africa have hope but India’s bowling unit looks determined to keep the pressure on.
What to Expect Ahead
As the sun sets over Lord’s, conditions may slightly favour batting, but the Indian bowlers have enough variations to make scoring difficult.
If Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad can find rhythm through the middle overs, India will be well-placed to push for more wickets and tighten their grip on the final.
South Africa, meanwhile, need a big partnership soon perhaps from Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp to stay in contention for their maiden World Cup title.
Also Read : India vs Australia, Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final
Key Highlights So Far
- India 246/7 (50 overs): Mandhana 83, Ghosh 45, Kapp 3/39
- South Africa 68/2 (17 overs): Wolvaardt 31*, Brits 18, Vastrakar 1/24
- Pitch: Slightly slow, favouring spin in later stages
- Weather: Clear skies, no rain expected
- Toss: South Africa won and chose to bowl first
Final Word (Live Summary)
The India vs South Africa, Women’s World Cup 2025 Final continues to build towards a thrilling conclusion.
India’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding have kept them in command, while South Africa are banking on Wolvaardt’s patience to steer the chase.
With the trophy on the line, the next 10 overs could very well decide who writes history at Lord’s. Stay tuned for more live updates and analysis from this nail-biting finale.
