Australia and England have been the dominating forces in women's cricket for a long time now. However, the balance seems to be shifting towards other powers slowly but steadily, and this Women's World Cup in India has shown glimpses of it.
Both Australia and England have been beaten in the semifinals by India and South Africa respectively, and the stage is set for a new Women's ODI World Cup winner. The excitement around the final is quite high because the home team has qualified for the final, and after beating Australia, they would be looking to create history on November 2.
South Africa, though, have been pretty impressive throughout the tournament and got the better of India in the group stage. There are plenty of world-class cricketers in both the teams, but here are some of the battles that could determine the outcome of the match.
Smriti Mandhana vs Marizanne Kapp
Smriti Mandhana has been in great form in WODIs in the last year or so, and despite a slow start to the World Cup, she came back strongly and is the leading run-scorer for India with 389 runs in eight innings.
The southpaw, though, failed in the semifinal and has a poor record in ICC knockout matches, which is something South Africa would be looking to capitalise on. They also have one of the best exponents of the new ball, Marizanne Kapp, in their ranks, and if she can remove Mandhana early, it would be a big advantage for the Proteas.
Criterion
Data
Balls
116
Runs
72
Outs
1
Dots
74
Strike-rate
62.1
Average
72
On the other hand, if Smriti Mandhana can attack Kapp, it would put pressure on the whole South African bowling attack. So far, Kapp has got the better of Smriti Mandhana only once in ODIs, but she has managed to keep the Indian star quiet. Mandhana has a strike-rate of only 62.1 against Kapp, which shows that the battle has been intense, and expect the same in the final.
Jemimah Rodrigues played the knock of her lifetime in the semifinal against Australia. She smashed an unbeaten 127 to help India pull off the biggest run-chase of Women's ODI history and would be a key batter for India in the final as well.
Rodrigues is known for her ability to use her feet and depth of the crease against spinners, and thus her battle with South African spinners would be key. Thus, the onus will be on Nonkululeko Mlaba to keep Rodrigues in check.
Criterion
Data
Balls
41
Runs
59
Outs
0
Dots
10
Strike-rate
143.9
Average
-
Mlaba has been in good form in this World Cup with 12 wickets in eight matches. However, Rodrigues has dominated Mlaba so far. The Indian batter has scored 59 runs off 42 balls and has not given her wicket even once to the South African spinner. So, Mlaba and South Africa need to find ways to get the better of Rodrigues; otherwise, they might end up suffering like Australia.
Laura Woolvardt vs Renuka Singh
Laura Woolvardt is one of the most technically strong batters in world cricket, which has made her quite consistent. Just like Rodrigues, she was at her best in the semifinal and scored 169 to play a big role in her side's win.
Also, Wolvaardt is the leading run-scorer in the tournament, and getting her early would be crucial for India. Thus, India would bank on experienced Renuka Singh to provide that early breakthrough.
Criterion
Data
Balls
4
Runs
4
Outs
1
Dots
3
Strike-rate
100
Average
4
In WODIs, Laura has faced only four balls from Renuka Singh but has lost her wicket in that. It shows that Renuka's ability to swing the ball into the right-hander can create problems for Wolvaardt, and if she can find her mojo in the final, it would be a big plus for India.
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Smriti Mandhana and Marizanne Kapp (Source: AFP).jpg)
