ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final: India and South Africa gear up for a potentially game-changing contest

Neither team had a smooth run in the final, making it difficult to set a date.

South Africa’s five successive group stage victories, including a three-wicket thriller against India, were capped by scores of 69 and 97 against England and Australia respectively.

After the last match, they were underdogs to beat England in the semi-final, but they responded with one of their most impressive efforts, led by Wolfhardt’s memorable 169, and Marizanne Kapp’s unstoppable 5-20.

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

Where Wolfhardt is calm and composed, Cap is the warrior. Even after five World Cup appearances, she cannot hold back the tears when the national anthem is played, and looks set to burn with passion at every wicket she claims.

For India, it will be a matter of how well they can manage the weight of expectations and overcome the overwhelming emotions of the semi-final, with skipper Harmanpreet stressing the importance of mental recovery afterwards.

The captain said: “The semi-final was full of tension and a lot of pressure.

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

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

India have the advantage in terms of home advantage, while three matches have been played at the DY Patel Stadium in this competition to none for South Africa.

“It will be a very tough match, as the entire crowd will stand behind India,” Wolfhardt said.

“But at the same time I think it puts a lot of pressure on them as well. They’re supporting the whole country and they’re kind of expected to win.”

“I think that plays into our favour, I hope. We’ll have to play really good cricket to beat them but we’re really excited about the opportunity.”

It is expected to be a sold-out event, and if the atmosphere can match what was provided in the semi-final, it will be electric.

It worked for them against Australia but South Africa will be hoping to channel their inner Pat Cummins from 2023 – as the Australian captain said, the best thing about a rowdy crowd is being able to silence them.