New Delhi, Nov 1 (NationPress) Anjum Chopra asserts that the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup final, featuring India and South Africa, will take place at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, and will present a balanced competition. She mentions that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team holds a slight edge due to their prior experience at the ground.

Both teams aim for their first-ever ODI World Cup title, marking a significant milestone in women's cricket with a new champion. South Africa secured their spot in the final after a commanding 125-run victory over England in Guwahati, while India electrified fans by chasing down 339 runs to defeat Australia by five wickets in Navi Mumbai.

Anjum states, "I believe India and South Africa start equally. The only benefit India has is their familiarity with this venue, which South Africa lacks. South Africa has had a travel day followed by a training session, and before their match against England, they lost to Australia."

"In a final, it's a 50-50 chance for both teams, as they have both performed excellently to reach this stage. The odds aren’t skewed towards one side," Chopra shared with IANS in an exclusive interview ahead of the highly anticipated match.

Chopra also downplayed the significance of South Africa competing in Navi Mumbai for the first time, citing their experienced lineup. "When it comes to the final, the South African squad has players like Marizanne, Laura, Sune, and Chloe who know how to perform under pressure, having played in the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cup finals, which gives them valuable experience in high-stakes matches," she elaborated.

Regarding the pressure of being tournament hosts, Anjum believes that India’s meticulous preparation will be key to their success, rather than the burden of expectations from home fans. "Pressure can overwhelm you if you let it, but preparation is essential. The Indian team has trained for this moment," she noted.

"The positive energy from the crowd will resonate with the players. They have witnessed great results, which will boost their morale. It’s not just about having a billion supporters; they will feel the presence of thousands cheering them at the final," she added.

Chopra emphasized that the Indian team is experienced in managing expectations. She remarked, "Although they will feel some pressure, they understand that similar pressure exists even when playing abroad, as viewers are always watching."

Reflecting on India's journey following their narrow defeat to England in Indore, Anjum pointed out the crucial change in mindset that led to their revival. "I predominantly observe them on the field. However, the way they bounced back against New Zealand showcased a significant change in their temperament," she explained.

"Courage and heart are vital, especially in must-win situations. Their progression to the semifinals exemplified this resilience. As Harman stated, the score didn’t matter; the goal was to win," she added.

The quality of cricket in this tournament has significantly increased, contributing to heightened viewership and interest. For instance, the entire nation is abuzz about the stunning defeat of the formidable Australians, attributed to Jemimah Rodrigues' stellar 127 not out and Harmanpreet’s impressive 89.

"It's thrilling to witness such quality cricket on display. The women’s game has evolved beyond just England and Australia dominating; we are seeing a broader representation with more players gaining recognition worldwide," Chopra highlighted.

"The surge in interest isn’t solely due to results; it’s about the quality of cricket. The excitement surrounding matches indicates a growing engagement with the sport," she observed.

As Sunday’s final approaches, it transcends mere competition for a world title; it has the potential to reshape the future of women’s cricket in both nations. Regardless of the outcome, this final could motivate a new generation of girls to pursue cricket and encourage families to support their athletic dreams.

Victory for India could act as a catalyst for systemic change, fostering increased investment in women’s cricket throughout the country—from grassroots involvement to enhanced infrastructure, as well as greater viewership, sponsorship opportunities, and improved compensation for players and support staff.

"There would be much joy and celebration, leading to awards and recognition. The future growth of the sport in our country will depend on the women’s team’s performance from this point onward. Reaching the final signifies a peak achievement," she explained.

"While such stellar performances can’t be expected regularly, consistency will determine the sport's progress. We are a nation that quickly embraces and discards sports; thus, we must focus on fostering a culture that supports the sport as a whole rather than individual players. This victory could catalyze greater interest in the sport," Anjum concluded.

"Having 32,000 attendees at the stadium, regardless of ticket price, signifies a shift in attitude. Observing families coming to support women's cricket is a pivotal change for me. Viewership will continue to grow, but the real progress will be seen through community engagement and support for the sport," she added.