India Women are one step away from World Cup glory again — here’s the winning strategy they need for the 2025 final against South Africa.
India women’s cricket team stands on the brink of rewriting history. Their journey in the ongoing World Cup 2025 has had it all, from great performances to exhibition of pure grit in tight moments. And now, here they are in the finals, after a thrilling semi-final victory over the mighty Australians.
Now, with only South Africa standing in their way, the question is not if India can win, but how best they can seize this chance with a strategy befitting champions.
India’s road to the final
The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup campaign has showcased India as a side blending youthfulness with experience. From the group stages, India consistently showed composure and fight, beating rivals like New Zealand and Pakistan while they also experienced setbacks against Australia, South Africa, and England.
The run-scoring prowess of Smriti Mandhana ensured steady platforms, even as the middle order found rhythm at crucial junctures.
The semi-final against Australia was the tournament’s defining drama. Australia, record six-time champions, started strong, even as India bowlers, led by Renuka Singh and Nallapureddy Charani, tried to tighten the screws with sustained pressure.
Then came the chase where India rewrote World Cup history by chasing down 339. Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 proved to be vital and a masterclass. Supported by Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89, her innings turned pressure into poetry as India stormed into the 2025 Women’s World Cup final.
Read More: WWC 2025, SF 2, IND vs AUS: Jemimah’s exceptional 127* drives India into their third final
Reminiscing 2017
Eight years ago, India women’s team scripted a fairytale run to the final, only to fall heartbreakingly short against England. The 2017 World Cup final is etched in every Indian cricket fan’s memory, the tension at Lord’s, the resolute fight from Jhulan Goswami, and then, the final few overs where hopes fizzled as the lower-order collapsed under pressure.
England snatched the trophy, but India players won hearts. That was a revolution in the women’s game back home. That defeat taught Indian cricket the importance of mental fortitude, grit under pressure, and, crucially, seizing moments in the field. That road to the finals changed the perception in Indian cricket that even women can rule the world in this sport.
Players like Harmanpreet Kaur, who blazed a 171-run masterpiece in the 2017 semis against Australia, carry the scars and lessons of that painful final. The knowledge of what it takes to succeed, but also what can cause a team to fall short at the final hurdle, will be key as India approaches another summit clash.
The final showdown
The 2025 final pits India against South Africa, a team that has grown in stature over the last decade. South Africa come into the final by outclassing England in the semi-final, with a display of efficient bowling and resilient batting.
South Africa’s pace attack poses a challenge, while their spinners have also adapted beautifully to subcontinental conditions.
Read More: Women’s World Cup 2025, IND vs SA: Nadine de Klerk pulls off a heist; SA break into top 4
What should be the strategy?
India’s batting depth is its greatest strength heading into the final. For the team to maximise this, Shafali Verma must provide the aggressive start she is famous for. Shafali has the ability to unsettle the new-ball bowlers and set the tone for the innings; even if she stays for the first 10-12 overs, she can ensure India posts close to 70 runs in the powerplay, which will lay the platform for Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana.
Jemimah has shown maturity in rotating strike and finding gaps; her partnership with Smriti and Harmanpreet in the middle overs will be crucial, especially against spin.
Also, Harmanpreet’s experience in handling pressure, especially in crucial matches, will prove invaluable when nerves peak.
In bowling,Renuka Singh’s inclusion in the semi-final was a tactical stroke. Though wicketless, her accuracy stifled scoring and built pressure, a role she must reprise in the final.
South Africa’s top order can be vulnerable to swing and seam in the early overs, and Renuka should aim to bowl consistent lines outside off, inviting mistakes.
Sneh Rana and Shreeserni have been revelations in the middle overs, choking runs and picking wickets. Their ability to bowl attacking lines, varying pace, and reading conditions must continue at the highest intensity.
Fielding and attitude
Fielding could well decide the final, as was seen when Australia lost crucial opportunities in the semi-final, eventually costing them the game. India fielders must be proactive, backing up throws, executing sharp run-outs, and diving to save boundaries. Moments in the field can make or break World Cup finals, and any lapses must be avoided.
Most important:team’s mentality. Harmanpreet’s calmness and experience should anchor the side amidst the tension. Her leadership in crunch moments, tactical nous, and ability to inspire confidence must come through. The entire team should focus on controlling nerves and playing each ball on its merit.
The Women in Blueare a step away from immortalising their journey. The lessons of 2017 linger, and will urge them to play brave but intelligent cricket.
Read More: Pratika Rawal ruled out of Women’s World Cup 2025; Shafali Verma replaces her
