India Stars Send Heartfelt Wishes Ahead of Women’s ODI World Cup Final vs South Africa

As India’s women’s cricket team prepares to take on South Africa in the Women’s ODI World Cup final, an emotional wave of support has emerged from players who missed out on the final squad. Cricketers across the domestic and international circuit have come together to send heartfelt wishes to the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side ahead of the historic clash at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

From Shreyanka Patil and Poonam Yadav to Yastika Bhatia, Titas Sadhu, Ragvi Bisht, Sanjana Sajeevan, and Shikha Pandey, messages of love and encouragement poured in through a special video shared by Star Sports. Their collective words reflected deep pride and solidarity, underscoring the unity within Indian cricket as the nation rallies behind its women’s team.

India’s road to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. The team stunned defending champions Australia in a gripping semi-final, showcasing tactical brilliance, resilience, and composure under pressure. Now, standing just one step away from their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title, India’s players are fueled by both momentum and emotion.

As the floodlights prepare to illuminate Navi Mumbai, anticipation runs high. Fans across the country are eagerly waiting to witness whether India can finally lift the trophy on home soil. The final also marks India’s third appearance in a Women’s ODI World Cup final — but this time, the team looks stronger, more balanced, and determined to rewrite history.

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India have struck the perfect balance of youth and experience. Smriti Mandhana’s elegant form, Richa Ghosh’s explosive finishing, and Deepti Sharma’s all-round reliability have shaped a formidable unit capable of withstanding the toughest challenges.

However, the final won’t be an easy contest. South Africa, fresh off a commanding victory against England in their semi-final, have shown both grit and consistency throughout the tournament. With players like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp in form, the Proteas pose a genuine threat to India’s championship dreams.

There’s an added layer of intensity — India have not beaten South Africa in a Women’s ODI World Cup since 2005, a statistic that the team is eager to change tonight. Their earlier meeting in this edition was a thriller, with Nadine de Klerk’s late surge turning the tide in South Africa’s favor.

Yet, as both teams step onto the field, past results will fade into insignificance. Finals have a way of redefining legacies. India’s familiarity with home conditions and the roaring crowd at DY Patil may give them a psychological edge, but South Africa’s adaptability promises a fierce contest.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain — the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final will be remembered as a celebration of women’s cricket, unity, and the spirit of competition.