South Africa spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered a crucial breakthrough in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final, dismissing India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and celebrating with a fiery send-off that caught everyone’s attention. The intense moment unfolded at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s rare failure in a World Cup knockout match
Known for her ability to perform under pressure, Harmanpreet Kaur has built a reputation as one of the finest batters in women’s cricket. She has often delivered match-winning performances in major tournaments, especially during knockout games.
Back in 2017, Harmanpreet Kaur played one of the most iconic innings in women’s cricket history, smashing an unbeaten 171 runs in the semi-final against Australia. She followed that up with a steady 51 in the final against England. In the 2025 edition, she once again proved her big-match temperament with a brilliant 89 in the semi-final against Australia.
However, the final did not go her way this time. On the sixth ball of the 39th over, Mlaba bowled a straight delivery that Kaur attempted to cut but missed completely, and the ball crashed into her stumps. The South African spinner roared in celebration, giving a charged-up send-off to the Indian skipper.
Despite her dismissal for just 20, Harmanpreet Kaur still holds the record for the most runs scored in Women’s ODI World Cup knockout matches.
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Most runs in Women’s ODI World Cup knockouts:
- 331 – Harmanpreet Kaur (4 innings)
- 330 – Belinda Clark (6 innings)
- 309 – Alyssa Healy (4 innings)
- 281 – Nat Sciver-Brunt (5 innings)
- 240 – Debbie Hockley (5 innings)
A determined mindset and team unity
Before the big final, Harmanpreet spoke about the team’s preparation and positive mindset heading into the championship clash. She shared how the focus was on staying fresh and mentally ready after the intense semi-final.
“The semifinal was a very high-pressure game and very intense. After that, recovery was something which we all paid more attention to, because the fresher we are, mentally, [for the final] the better it will be. We’ve been working hard for so many years… so skill-wise we know we have done a lot. Now, it’s only about keeping ourselves fresh for tomorrow. Recovery is something which we all talk about, and everybody is really taking that very seriously and hopefully tomorrow we will feel fresher for the main game,” Harmanpreet said.
The India captain also praised the team’s resilience and collective spirit throughout the tournament.
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“We, as a team, weren’t shaken even once eventhough we lost three big matches. Even after that everyone was together and we were all saying that we still have a great opportunity to reach the final. That positive mindset has brought us here. Our team has such a positive mindset and everyone wants to do good for the country and win the World Cup.”
Even though Harmanpreet’s innings ended early in the final, her leadership and consistency continue to inspire her team and fans alike.
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