ICC women's world cup final preview - A chance for the female superstars to erase the ghosts of 2023.

After one of the most enthralling run chases a couple of days ago against the 7 time world champions Australia, the Indian women’s team will look to go one up on their male counterparts as they face a high flying South African outfit on Sunday in the final of the ICC Women’s ODI world cup 2025. 

The hosts started the tournament in thumping fashion as they brushed Sri Lanka and Pakistan with convincing wins before they stuttered in the league game against the very team they play on Sunday. That loss was a gut wrenching one as they lost their following game to Australia despite scoring 330. Aleysa Healey took that game away in riveting fashion, and that game was followed by one of the most “PROPER HEARTBREAK” games in which they fell short by 4 runs against England in Indore. 

The proteas on the other hand, have been one of the most under rated gems of the competition. They were blown away by England in their opening encounter, and were starting to be called chokers again. But being unlike what South Africa is, the women’s team played like absolute bullies and swept aside all oppositions, including England and now are one step away from getting two ICC trophies in a year. 

Although the hosts pulled off that chase, they have areas to work on, especially their fielding. They have been horribly inconsistent and gave away almost 50 runs extra in the semi final. Jemimah, Harmanpreet, Smriti and Richa Ghosh once again will hold the key, as will Shefali Verma, who has replaced an injured Pratika Rawal at the top.

As far as the bowling is concerned, Renuka Thakur, Sri Charani, Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma hold the key while Amanjyoth Kaur will once again need to get those crucial breakthroughs in the middle order. Kranti Goud, the breakout star of the world cup has been amongst the wickets and a similar performance is required on Sunday. 

For the Africans, the tourney has been all about Marizan Kapp. The veteran pacer has been absolutely red hot and it was evident the way she pummeled a high flying England in the semi finals. She has been backed by Masabata Klaas, Mlaba and Chloe Troyn, but Kapp has been lethal.

As lethal as Kapp, another name that India should worry about is Laura Wolvaardt. The dashing opener played one of the most captivating innings in the semi final and India’s attack cannot let her score freely at the top. 

A nation that will once again carry a billion hopes vs a nation that has punched above its weight in recent times. All in all, a crackling final beckons as Harman and co. would want to end the home trophy drought and conquer cricket's Everest as another ICC home final kicks off in November, but hopefully this is a happy November.