Why SA-W Lost to IND-W in the Final Match of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: 3 Key Reasons Behind the Defeat

It started full of promise and had all the makings for a strong finish, thanks to Laura Wolvaardt’s defiant coolness, but ended in heartbreak under the lights in Navi Mumbai. Chasing a massive 299 runs to win against South Africa Women, South Africa Women were yet again torn between hope and indecision as they experienced another World Cup final that was reflective of their past, talented, brave, but ultimately unfinished. Led by Shafali Verma’s incredible all-around performance and Deepti Sharma’s winning bowling spell (5/39), India Women rode the cheers from the crowd at DY Patil Stadium, kept the pressure on, defended smartly, and took control of the match to lead their team to a 52-run victory over the Proteas.

A Middle-Order Mirage: When South Africa’s Momentum Evaporated

Wolvaardt’s hundred (her third in World Cup knockout play) was one of perfect timing and control; yet, it was a solo effort in a complete dry spell of failed partnerships. Tazmin Brits’ (23 off 35) run-out hurt early on, but the real killer of the South African cause was the team’s mid-innings pause in activity from overs 15 through 30. When they were at 114/3 with Luus and Wolvaardt well established, the game begged for someone to be attacking India’s fifth bowler or rotating the strike against the Indian spinners. They crawled instead.

Luus (25 off 31) came and went with a tame dismissal, and Kapp (4 off 5) left shortly thereafter; by the time Jafta (16 off 29) ended his torturous stay, India had them completely wrapped in their web. Deepti Sharma did an excellent job using flight and guile to turn the middle-overs into a slow-motion choke hold.

Shafali Verma: The Spark That Broke the Proteas’ Rhythm

Shafali Verma played two different games and left her opponents playing catch-up. With an 87 off 78 balls opening effort for India, not only had she built the foundation of the team’s innings, but she had also set the tone for how the rest of the game would be played. In attacking Kapp early, forcing Khaka into adjusting her length, and making South African field placement decisions appear as if they were defensive, Shafali Verma laid down the framework for all other elements of India’s play.

The next phase was when Shafali became a bowler. In a span of 10 balls, she took out Luus and Kapp. The two wickets were momentum changers, pure and simple. Within a matter of ten minutes, South Africa went from being “in control” to being “in trouble.” A third time in the same match, Shafali removed a well-seasoned campaigner who lost patience, this time Kapp, who was out after a mis-timed pull shot against part-time off spin.

The Familiar Foes: Fielding Flaws and Overreliance on Wolvaardt

India’s largest competitor wasn’t the conditions (the pitch, the dew) — it was themselves. Far too many of South Africa’s single balls were turning into two-ball hits for India. Harmanpreet and Deepti took full advantage of the slowness of the ground to hit the deep fielders, and they also made use of the lack of urgency in the throws back by the deep fielders. Misfields and half-stops added up and made India’s total of 298/7 appear to be at least 20 runs higher than it actually was.

Then came the reliance syndrome. When Wolvaardt was batting, South Africa seemed as if they had a legitimate chance of chasing down India’s total of 298/7. The moment Wolvaardt fell for her 101, the chase quickly went downhill with South Africa losing 4 wickets for 26 runs. Not one player in South Africa’s lower order, Dercksen, Tryon, or de Klerk, displayed the composure required in a World Cup Final.

FAQs

1. What was the turning point of the final?

Shafali Verma’s twin strikes in the middle overs derailed South Africa’s chase completely.

2. Who was the standout performer of the match?

Deepti Sharma’s 5/39 and calm finishing made her the architect of India’s win.

3. Why did South Africa fall short despite Wolvaardt’s hundred?

They lost momentum after her partners failed to build partnerships or counter India’s spin choke.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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