The Women’s Cricket World Cup is poised to anoint a new champion on Sunday, when the host nation India faces off against South Africa, with both sides aiming to cap their exhaustive month-long journey—spanning nine matches each—with their inaugural global title.

India have previously appeared as finalists twice in the One-Day International world championship, suffering defeats in the 2005 and 2017 editions at the hands of Australia and England, respectively. They also fell short in the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup final against Australia in 2020.

South Africa are contesting a World Cup final for the third consecutive year, having advanced to the T20 World Cup finals in 2023 and 2024, where they were defeated by Australia and New Zealand. Nevertheless, this marks their debut appearance in a World Cup final in the 50-over format.

“We know very well how it feels like after losing. But the feeling after victory – that is something which we are really looking forward to,” India captain Harmanpreet Kaur told reporters on Saturday.

India advanced to the semi-finals, having finished as the fourth-ranked team during the league stage. However, Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues orchestrated the largest successful run chase in the history of women’s ODI cricket on Thursday, delivering a stunning upset over the seven-time champions and pre-tournament favourites Australia to secure their place in the final.

South Africa, who had previously defeated India during the league stage last month, secured a commanding 125-run victory against the four-time champions England in Wednesday’s semi-final, propelled by a player-of-the-match display from captain Laura Wolvaardt, who amassed 169 runs from 143 deliveries.

“The whole crowd is behind India, probably a sold-out stadium. It definitely puts a lot of pressure on them as they’re sort of expected to win. I think it plays in our favour a bit,” Wolvaardt said.

“Every cricket game starts at zero. We can’t bring any history into the game. Knockout cricket is completely different from league cricket. People can do some very special things in knockout games, like Jemimah the other night.”

Also Read: Sports fraternity hails India’s World Cup win over Aussies

HIGH STAKES

Kaur stated that India have been gearing up for the chance to compete in the World Cup final over the past two years.

“Last time we played in the World Cup final, we saw many changes in the sport back home. Women’s cricket took many steps forward, a lot of girls flocked to the grounds,” said the 36-year-old.

“I’m sure, when we win the final, there will be even more changes. We will see much more cricket, not only at the international level, but domestically things will improve as well.”For South Africa, who have yet to claim a World Cup title in either men’s or women’s cricket, the implications are equally profound.

“We recently got domestic contracts introduced. So, I can only imagine what something like a World Cup trophy will do back home. Just the number of girls that will be able to see it on TV, who will hear that we’re a World Cup-winning nation,” Wolvaardt said.

Also Read: India, SA eye World Cup glory in battle of nerves