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The two finalists of this World Cup have travelled remarkable journeys — not just over the past month, but across the last decade of women’s cricket.

South Africa have risen from the depths of their lowest moments — the embarrassment of being bowled out for 69 and 97 — to find resilience and rhythm. India, meanwhile, reached the knockouts despite not defeating any of the top three sides in the group stage. In their own ways, both teams have discovered new match-winners. South Africa unearthed fearless finishers; India found fresh heroes.

In the semifinals, both sides faced long-standing adversaries — and conquered them. South Africa finally broke free from England’s stranglehold, while India electrified a home crowd by toppling the mighty Australians.

This final is already historic — the first ODI World Cup title clash not to feature either Australia or England. Now, with both India and South Africa having taken down giants, the stage is set for a new world champion.

Victory on Sunday could redefine the landscape of women’s cricket in both nations. Beyond the trophy, this match symbolizes something deeper — progress, representation, and hope. From Nonkululeko Mlaba and Kranti Gaud — who rose from under-resourced regions — to global icons like Smriti Mandhana and Marizanne Kapp, this final could inspire a new generation of young women to dream big, and for their families to believe those dreams are possible.

South Africa face the tough task of silencing a 30,000-strong Indian crowd at DY Patil Stadium and adjusting to unfamiliar conditions in Navi Mumbai — where they’ll be playing for the first time this World Cup. India, by contrast, are right at home, having played (and won) their last three games at this venue. South Africa will benefit from an extra day’s rest after their semifinal win, while India will rely on the momentum of their continued run. With stakes this high, even the smallest edge could make the biggest difference.

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Team News: Will South Africa Go with an Extra Bowler?

India seem to have finally struck the right balance in the semifinal — batting depth up to No. 8 and six genuine bowling options. While Radha Yadav proved expensive last match, replacing her with Sneh Rana might not be ideal given South Africa’s right-handed batting order. Retaining the left-arm spinner could prove valuable in varying the attack.

India (probable XI):

1. Smriti Mandhana

2. Shafali Verma

3. Jemimah Rodrigues

4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)

5. Deepti Sharma

6. Richa Ghosh (wk)

7. Amanjot Kaur

8. Radha Yadav / Sneh Rana

9. Kranti Gaud

10. Shree Charani

11. Renuka Singh

For South Africa, opener Tazmin Brits — who injured her shoulder in the semifinal — has confirmed her availability, which keeps their top order intact. They might still consider bringing in an extra bowler, possibly Masabata Klaas, at the expense of a batting option like Anneke Bosch or Annerie Dercksen, especially if the Navi Mumbai pitch promises runs.

South Africa (probable XI):

1. Laura Wolvaardt (capt)

2. Tazmin Brits

3. Anneke Bosch / Masabata Klaas

4. Sune Luus

5. Marizanne Kapp

6. Sinalo Jafta (wk)

7. Annerie Dercksen

8. Chloe Tryon

9. Nadine de Klerk

10. Ayabonga Khaka

11. Nonkululeko Mlaba