Daijiworld Media Network - Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, Nov 2: Heavy rain disrupted the much-anticipated Women’s ODI World Cup final between India and South Africa at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, delaying the start of play and dampening early hopes for an on-time toss.

The showers began around 2:40 p.m., just 15 minutes before the rescheduled toss time of 3:00 p.m., forcing the ground staff to rush out with covers as dark clouds loomed over the stadium. Visibility dropped significantly, and players remained in their dugouts as the rain intensified.

Earlier in the day, intermittent rain had begun around noon, interrupting the pre-match routines and warm-ups. For a brief moment around 2:30 p.m., the weather appeared to clear up, prompting cheers from the crowd as the covers were partially removed for inspection. However, the relief was short-lived, as a heavier downpour followed soon after, making conditions unplayable once again.

Despite the delays, match officials confirmed that overs would not be reduced unless the interruption stretched beyond two hours, in line with knockout-stage rules that differ from the group matches.

Crowd enthusiasm, however, remained undeterred. Thousands of fans packed the stands and areas outside the stadium, eager to witness India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup final at home. The atmosphere has been electric since India’s stunning semifinal victory over defending champions Australia, which sparked an unprecedented demand for tickets.

The final holds historic significance for both sides—India and South Africa are yet to lift the World Cup trophy. India, having reached the final twice before (in 2005 and 2017), carry the advantage of home support and familiarity with the venue, having already played three matches here. South Africa, meanwhile, are featuring in Navi Mumbai for the first time this tournament.

However, India will be mindful of their record against South Africa, having lost three World Cup encounters, including their group-stage defeat in Visakhapatnam earlier in this edition.

Fortunately for fans, the ICC has scheduled a reserve day, ensuring that the match can resume from where it stops if the rain continues. Nonetheless, officials are hopeful of completing the final on Sunday itself, even if it means a reduced-overs contest.

For now, all eyes remain on the skies over Navi Mumbai as players and supporters wait anxiously for the rain to relent and the final showdown to begin.