Snehasis Mukherjee in Navi Mumbai
India had their final training session ahead of the much-anticipated ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final against South Africa, scheduled for November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
It was a light-hearted session for the Women in Blue, reflecting calmness and confidence before the summit clash. The players began with a few warm-up drills, followed by a short net practice.
Radha Yadav was the first to hit the nets, accompanied by bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi. The two were seen having a long discussion before Radha began her bowling stint. Shafali Verma had a light batting session, working on timing and placement. Soon after, Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry also joined in for a brief session in the nets. Even Smriti Mandhana was seen engaging in a small knocking session.
The rest of the squad looked relaxed and cheerful, engaging in casual chats and light activities rather than intense training, perhaps a sign of keeping the mind fresh before the big day.
In contrast, South Africa’s training session was much more intense and focused. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt and her opening partner Tazmin Brits batted together in rotation in one of the nets, while in the adjacent one, Anneke Bosch and Nadine de Klerk took turns at the crease. However, before that, Wolvaardt had a long inspection of the pitch along with Mandla Mashimbyi, the head coach.
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Two separate bowling groups operated simultaneously – Tumi Sekhukhune and Nonkululeko Mlaba bowled to Wolvaardt and Brits, while Annerie Dercksen and Miane Smit bowled to Bosch and de Klerk.
Bosch, who has not found much form in this tournament, was spotted in a detailed, animated discussion with the head coach, seemingly about her stance and shot selection.
Sune Luus went through an extended fielding drill, focusing particularly on her boundary catching and ground fielding. A unique training setup caught attention. A piece of boundary cushion was placed as one of the support staff threw catches toward her, simulating boundary-line catches. Some of those throws were designed to dip in front of her, forcing Luus to dive forward to complete the take.
After her fielding drills, Luus also spent some time batting, while Dercksen, having completed her bowling spell, followed up with a batting session of her own. Most of the South African batters were seen practicing aggressive strokes, particularly against spin bowling, mirroring the same strategy they worked on in Vizag before their group stage win over India earlier in the tournament.
As the curtain came down on both teams’ preparations, all eyes now turn to the final. Whether it is India or South Africa, one team will make history, lifting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy for the first time.
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