Mumbai: Women’s cricket stands on the brink of a historic transformation. When the final ball is bowled on Sunday evening at DY Patil Stadium, a new name will be etched onto the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy — one that does not belong to Australia or England.
For five decades, the 50-over World Cup has been dominated by the two cricketing powerhouses. Since its inception in 1973, Australia has claimed the crown seven times, while England has triumphed on four occasions. New Zealand’s lone title in 2000 remains the only interruption in that duopoly. Now, either India or South Africa will end that long-standing reign and lift the trophy for the first time.
India’s journey to this moment has been filled with heartbreak and hope. Twice before, the team has fallen agonisingly short — first in 2005 against Australia and again in 2017 versus England. This time, on home soil, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and her team are determined to script a different ending.
“Winning the World Cup in front of our fans would be the ultimate dream,” said Harmanpreet on the eve of the final. “We’ve known the pain of losing finals. Now it’s time to feel what victory at this stage means.”
The Proteas, meanwhile, enter uncharted territory. It’s their first-ever appearance in a women’s ODI World Cup final, and they carry with them a record of remarkable consistency — reaching five consecutive ICC finals across formats and levels. South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt acknowledged the challenge of facing India in front of a roaring home crowd. “The atmosphere will be electric, but the best way to handle it is to focus on the game and not the noise,” she said confidently.
Sunday’s final promises to be a high-scoring contest, with the DY Patil surface offering plenty for batters and the possibility of dew adding intrigue to the evening’s play. However, both sides remain wary of a potential rain interruption that could alter the course of the match.
India enter the clash with strong momentum, having pulled off a stunning record chase against Australia in the semifinal. South Africa, fresh from their victory in Guwahati, are eager to avenge their group-stage loss to India earlier in the tournament.
This marks India’s third time hosting the prestigious event. On both previous occasions — 1997 and 2013 — Australia took the title, leaving Indian fans yearning for a home triumph. With expectations soaring, the hosts are hoping this time the trophy finally stays back.
Whatever the result, one thing is certain: women’s cricket will witness a new world champion tonight. The dominance of England and Australia has defined the sport for half a century — but as the sun sets over Navi Mumbai, a new era is ready to begin.
