India Sets Challenging Target of 298 in Women’s World Cup Final

The final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is in full swing at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where India Women have set a formidable target of 298 runs against South Africa Women. The match commenced after a brief rain delay, with South Africa winning the toss and opting to bowl first.

India’s innings showcased a blend of aggressive batting and strategic partnerships. Opener Shafali Verma emerged as the standout performer, scoring an impressive 87 runs off 78 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. Smriti Mandhana provided valuable support with 45 runs from 58 balls, establishing a solid foundation for the Indian innings.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 20 runs off 29 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues added 24 runs off 37 balls. The later part of the innings saw Deepti Sharma play a crucial role, scoring 58 runs off 58 balls, and Richa Ghosh making a quick impact with her 34 runs off 24 balls. The team finished their allotted 50 overs at 298 for the loss of seven wickets.

Netizens React to India’s Performance

As the match unfolds, social media reactions flood in, reflecting a mix of optimism and criticism. One user praised Shafali Verma’s performance, stating, “Shafali Verma came out blazing in the World Cup final, fearless and full of intent.” Conversely, some fans expressed disappointment regarding Deepti Sharma’s approach, suggesting her strike rate could have been more aggressive in the final overs.

Questions about batting order have also emerged. One user commented, “Why is Richa Ghosh, the best hitter of this team, batting at number 7 with only seven overs to play?” This sentiment resonates with fans who believe that India’s total could have been higher. Another user remarked, “No denying India are a few runs short – a good first ten overs and an early wicket of Wolvaardt can change the momentum.”

Despite the criticisms, many fans remain hopeful. Comments such as “If the Indian spinners can exploit the dry surface early on, the game could swing in our favor,” highlight the belief in the team’s potential to defend their total effectively.

A Thrilling Chase Ahead

With India posting a significant score, South Africa now faces a challenging chase. The match dynamics are set to be thrilling, as both teams vie for the title. Fans are now looking forward to how the Indian bowlers will respond and whether they can secure victory in this crucial match.

The excitement surrounding the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final is palpable, with India Women’s strong batting performance laying the groundwork for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the tournament.