3 things India need to do right to beat South Africa in Women's World Cup 2025 final ft. Sneh Rana's inclusion

Only South Africa stand between India and an unprecedented triumph in the Women's World Cup 2025. The Women in Blue, who scripted a magical victory over heavy favorites Australia in the second semifinal, will be confident of getting the job done on Sunday, November 2.

India haven't been at their best from a tactical perspective in the tournament so far. It took them some time to arrive at the right batting positions of key players, with a number of strange changes being made over the course of the group stage. Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. now have no room for error and need to be at their absolute sharpest.

India's squad for the Women's World Cup 2025: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Uma Chetry, Shafali Verma.

South Africa's squad for the Women's World Cup 2025: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase.

On that note, here are three things India need to do right to beat South Africa in the Women's World Cup 2025 final.

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#3 India need to play Sneh Rana instead of Radha Yadav

India v Australia Semi-Final 2: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup India 2025 - Source: Getty

As India rested some players in their last group-stage game, Radha Yadav made an impression with a three-wicket haul. She then retained her place in the team for the semifinal, with Sneh Rana sitting out. However, for the all-important summit clash, India need to revert this change.

Radha's ODI economy rate doesn't make for pretty reading, and although she has had her moments in all three departments, she arguably isn't reliable enough. Rana, on the other hand, has been one of the team's most underrated performers over the last year or so. Her hitting ability down the order is also heavily untapped, and India need to give her a chance on the biggest of stages.

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#2 Harmanpreet and Co. need to embrace the gravity of the occasion

Net Sessions - ICC Women's Cricket World Cup India 2025 - Source: Getty

This might sound like a silly thing to say, with India having already aced a tense chase against arguably the best team in the world. But there's no doubt that the pressure will be well and truly on the Women in Blue when they face off against South Africa in Navi Mumbai.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana already know what it's like to play a World Cup final, as do some of the other players in the squad. Unfortunately, they also know what it's like to lose one. The experienced duo generally raise their game in the crunch situations, and they will need to convey that sense of calm and confidence to the other younger players in the side.

India can't get overawed by the occasion and must stick to the same tactics and routines that have got them this far.

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#1 India need to be aggressive against Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba

Australia v South Africa: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup India 2025 - Source: Getty

India have struggled against left-arm spin for a while now in the 50-over format, including during the ongoing World Cup. South Africa have two of them in the form of Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon.

Given that the Proteas have 20 overs to trouble them, India can't be circumspect against the duo. Taking the attack to the team will be essential, particularly with South Africa being batting-heavy at the moment. Mlaba and Tryon going for a few runs would force Laura Wolvaardt to turn to overs from the likes of Sune Luus.