Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup Final 2025: 7 Hidden Facts Fans Don’t Know About India vs South Africa

7 Hidden Facts About the 2025 Women’s ODI Cricket Final

1. South Africa’s First-Ever Women’s ODI Final — Despite decades of participation, this is South Africa’s first appearance in a Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup final. Their semi-final victory over England made history for African women’s cricket. (Source: ICC)
2. India’s Third Final — But Still No Trophy Yet — India finished runners-up in 2005 and 2017, both heartbreak losses (against Australia and England respectively). Today’s final offers a shot at redemption — and a chance to become the first Asian team since 2009 to win the Women’s ODI title. (Source: ESPN Cricinfo)
3. Record-Breaking Semi-Final Chase — India’s win over Australia in the semis, chasing 339 runs, was the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI history. Jemimah Rodrigues’ 128* and Smriti Mandhana’s fearless 97 turned it into a global trending story. (Reuters)
4. Historic Representation: Asia Meets Africa — This is the first ODI World Cup final in either men’s or women’s cricket featuring a team from Asia and one from Africa — a symbolic moment for the game’s global growth. (ICC Data)
5. India vs South Africa Head-to-Head — Out of 34 ODI matches between them, India have won 20 and South Africa 13 (1 no-result). But South Africa defeated India in the group stage earlier this tournament — making the final unpredictable. (TOI)
6. Key Venue Stat: South Africa’s First Game at the Final Stadium — The final is being played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where India have won their last 2 ODIs by margins exceeding 100 runs. South Africa, however, have never played an ODI there — an unknown pitch factor could influence the match.
7. The “Jemimah Factor” — Jemimah Rodrigues’ strike rate (111.3) this tournament is the highest among players with 300+ runs — a figure higher than even top men’s ODI finishers in 2023-24. (Stats Source: Cricinfo Database)

India vs South Africa: Head-to-Head Record

What Makes This Final a Turning Point

Beyond the trophy, this final marks a cultural shift in women’s cricket viewership. Streaming data from ICC show a 65% increase in live digital audiences since 2017, with India and South Africa leading new market growth. The match also underscores investment gaps: South Africa’s women earn roughly one-fifth of their male counterparts per match, while India’s BCCI has committed pay parity since 2023.

FAQs: Women’s ODI Cricket Final 2025

• Who has won more ODI titles? Australia leads with 7 titles; India and South Africa are yet to win.
• Where is the final being played? Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India.
• When did South Africa last play an ODI final? Never — this is their first.
• What happens if it rains? Reserve Day rules apply per ICC regulations.

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