ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final: India and South Africa prepare for potentially game-changing contest

Neither team has had a smooth ride into the final, which makes it a difficult one to call.

South Africa’s five consecutive group-stage wins, including a three-wicket thriller against India, were sandwiched by being bowled out for 69 and 97 against England and Australia respectively.

After the latter, they were not favourites to beat England in the semis but responded with one of their most impressive all-round efforts, led by Wolvaardt’s unforgettable 169 and the unstoppable Marizanne Kapp’s 5-20.

As South Africa’s stars, they will be expected to step up again on Sunday.

Where Wolvaardt is unflappable and calm, Kapp is the warrior. Even five World Cups in, she cannot hold back the tears at the national anthem, and looks like she will combust with passion at each wicket she claims.

For India, it will be about whether they can manage the weight of expectation and negotiate the emotions of that staggering semi-final, with skipper Harmanpreet emphasising the importance of being mentally refreshed from it.

“The semi-final was a very high-pressure game and very intense,” said the captain.

“We have been talking about how we can be more focused and more balanced and at the same time keeping ourselves relaxed because this is the biggest stage and biggest opportunity for us, playing in a home final.

“But I think the most important thing is that we have to enjoy this because there is nothing bigger than this in our life, as a cricketer and for me as a captain.”

India have the edge in terms of home advantage, while they have played three games at the DY Patil in this competition to South Africa’s none.

“It’s going to be a very tough game, with the whole crowd behind India,” said Wolvaardt.

“But at the same time I think it puts a lot of pressure on them as well. They have the whole country behind them and are sort of expected to win.

“I think that plays in our favour, hopefully. We’re going to have to play some really good cricket to beat them but we’re really excited for the opportunity.”

A sell-out is expected, and if the atmosphere can match what was provided in the semi-final, it will be electric.

It worked in their favour against Australia but South Africa will hope to channel their inner Pat Cummins from 2023 – as the Australia captain said, the best thing about a loud crowd is the ability to silence them.

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