South Africa
Rain disrupted the much-anticipated Women’s World Cup final between India and South Africa in Mumbai, leaving thousands of fans waiting as ground staff battled a soaked outfield. Both teams were chasing their first world title, with spirits high despite persistent drizzle delaying the toss and start of play.
Excitement turned into frustration on Sunday as heavy rain disrupted the highly anticipated Women’s World Cup final between India and South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
Spectators began filling the 45 000-seat venue hours before the scheduled start, only to see the pitch covered and ground staff battling persistent drizzle. The toss, initially set for 2:30 pm local time, was first delayed to 3:00 pm, then postponed again as the outfield remained too damp for play to begin safely.
For thousands of fans who had travelled from across India and abroad, the delay was a bitter reminder of how weather can alter sporting destiny. Both sides were chasing history — India hoping to finally lift their first ODI World Cup trophy after finishing as runners-up in 2005 and 2017, while South Africa were on the verge of their first appearance in a final.
The mood among players appeared tense but optimistic. India’s captain and senior players were seen chatting under umbrellas near the dugout, while South Africa’s team gathered in their dressing room, occasionally peeking out to check the skies.
As time went on, tournament officials met repeatedly with umpires to assess the conditions, but the intermittent drizzle continued to dampen hopes for an on-time start. Fans, many draped in national colours, refused to leave their seats, singing and cheering in the hope that play would begin.
Whether the weather improves or not, one thing is certain — the world is waiting for a historic showdown between two nations desperate to carve their names into women’s cricket history.
