What Is The Highest Total Chased In Women’s World Cup Final?: South Africa will need to pull off something extraordinary if they hope to beat India in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final in Navi Mumbai. Chasing 299 for victory, the Proteas are up against a massive target that would make history if achieved, as no team has ever chased such a score in a Women’s World Cup final.
India’s total of 298 for seven, powered by composed half-centuries from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, is the second-highest ever posted in a Women’s ODI World Cup final. With the pressure of a world title, a disciplined Indian bowling unit, and a passionate home crowd behind them, South Africa’s task is anything but easy.
A Steep Climb for South Africa
For perspective, the highest successful chase in a Women’s World Cup final came back in 2009, when England chased down New Zealand’s 166, finishing at 167 for six to lift the trophy. Since then, no team has managed to chase more than 170 in a final, making South Africa’s 299 chase an uphill battle.
What Is The Highest Total Chased In Women’s World Cup Final?
- 167 – England vs New Zealand (2009)
- 165 – Australia vs New Zealand (1997)
- 152 – Australia vs England (1982)
- 129 – Australia vs England (1988)
India Off to a Flying Start
After a two-hour delay caused by a damp outfield, South Africa won the toss and opted to field first. India, however, made the most of the opportunity. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave the hosts a brilliant start, adding 104 runs for the first wicket at a brisk pace of nearly seven runs per over.
Shafali, who was recalled to the side for the semi-final against Australia following Pratika Rawal’s injury, continued her fine form. She brought up her first ODI fifty in over three years and her fifth overall before falling for a superb 87 off 78 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes.
Read More
South Africa Fight Back
South Africa managed to claw their way back into the contest thanks to Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba. Khaka picked up 3 for 58 from nine overs, while Mlaba chipped in with 1 for 47. Their timely breakthroughs stopped India from crossing the 300-run mark.
Khaka’s double blow sent both Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues (24) back to the pavilion, while Mlaba dismissed captain Harmanpreet Kaur (20) just as her partnership with Deepti Sharma was beginning to grow.
Deepti Sharma Steadies the Ship
India’s middle order found stability through Deepti Sharma, who played a calm and composed knock of 58 off 58 balls, her 18th ODI fifty and third of the tournament. She added valuable runs with Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) in the final overs before Khaka returned to remove Richa in the penultimate over.
Read More
Can South Africa Rewrite History?
Chasing 299 to win the World Cup final is no small task, especially against a confident Indian side with momentum and home support. History may not favor South Africa, but as cricket has often shown, records are meant to be broken.
If the Proteas can pull this off, it would go down as one of the most remarkable comebacks in Women’s World Cup history and a night to remember forever in Navi Mumbai.
ALSO READ: Shafali Verma Makes History With Record-Breaking Knock In ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final
