Skipper Wolvaardt Eyes India’s Pressure as South Africa’s Advantage in 2025 ODI Final

A crowd exceeding 35,000 recently witnessed Australia being edged out of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinals at D.Y. Patil Stadium. Similarly large support is anticipated as South Africa steps onto the field for the first time in their campaign, facing the home team in the final.

When asked by a reporter how she plans to silence the crowd, skipper Laura Wolvaardt responded with a light-hearted chuckle, “Hopefully we win!”

“The entire crowd is backing India, and it’s likely a sold-out stadium. This definitely adds pressure on them since there’s an expectation for them to win. I think this situation benefits us a bit,” she commented, looking ahead to the final clash.

The Proteas are focused on disregarding past records, both positive and negative, as they prepare for their debut appearance in an ODI final, saying, “Every cricket game starts at zero. We can’t bring any history into the game. Knockout cricket is completely different from league cricket. Special things can happen in knockout games like they did with Jemimah (Rodrigues) the other night.”

Fans and team members notice the parallels between India and South Africa as both stand on the brink of making history. However, there’s a sentiment among South Africans that “South Africa needs it more.”

“A World Cup win would be truly significant for women’s cricket back home. We recently introduced domestic contracts, and I can only imagine the impact a World Cup trophy would have. It would inspire countless young girls watching it on TV to see us as a World Cup-winning nation.”

Published on November 1, 2025.