WATCH: DY Patil Stadium erupts as Sunidhi Chauhan delivers a powerhouse performance in Women’s World Cup 2025 final

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India Women and South Africa Women clashed in a historic final at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The match was not just a contest for the trophy but a celebration of women’s cricket, with the atmosphere at the stadium reaching fever pitch as fans from both nations cheered their teams. The day was marked by a spectacular mid-innings break performance by Sunidhi Chauhan, who lit up the stadium with her energetic medley, accompanied by 60 dancers, dazzling fireworks, lasers, and a drone show choreographed by Sanjay Shetty.​

As the first innings concluded, the crowd was treated to a musical extravaganza that blended Bollywood hits with patriotic fervour. Sunidhi, one of India’s most iconic voices, performed a medley of her biggest hits, setting the stage for a memorable evening. The performance featured a laser show, 350 mast cast performers, and a synchronized drone display, making it one of the most visually stunning moments in Women’s World Cup history.

Sunidhi also sang the Indian national anthem before the match, while Tarryn Bank from Cape Town performed South Africa’s anthem, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. The atmosphere was electric, with fans waving tricolour flags and cheering loudly, creating a sense of unity and national pride.

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Come the second innings, the Indian bowling unit displayed remarkable discipline and tactical acumen that kept South Africa’s chase in balance. South Africa needed 299 runs to win, but India’s bowlers consistently forced the required run rate upward. Opening with pressure, Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud contained the scoring and picked early wickets. Despite captain Laura Wolvaardt’s resilient 78 off 75 balls, the Proteas struggled to build substantial partnerships.

Shafali Verma, meanwhile, was exceptional with the ball, claiming key wickets including the prized dismissal of South African batter Sune Luus. Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani controlled the middle overs with their spin, maintaining tight lines and picking up valuable breakthroughs. The combination of pace and spin, disciplined fielding, and strategic bowling changes kept South Africa wary throughout the innings.

At 31 overs, South Africa stood at 156/5, still requiring 143 runs from 19 overs at a challenging required run rate of 7.52. The Indian players ground hard to keep the pressure alive. The bowlers’ ability to both curtail runs and take wickets in regular intervals has ensured that South Africa’s chase remains precarious and the tension around the final match is palpable.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.