Women’s World Cup final: Heavy rain spell witnessed before India clashes with South Africa in Navi Mumbai

After a light spell of rain in the morning, the sun came out bright over the DY Patil Stadium, before the pitch for hosting the final game was again under covers as the rain clouds continue to play hide and seek before the historic India-South Africa ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final takes the centre stage here.

The predictions announced moderate rain, between 1 pm and 2 pm, but a sudden spell of heavy rain has surprised one and all. The final is slated to start at 3 pm and the toss is expected to be delayed given the current conditions here.

This is the fourth such moment, in Navi Mumbai, when unseasonal rains have disrupted the match proceedings. All matches played at DY Patil Stadium were either delayed, abandoned or interrupted by rains.

While the Indian women are playing their third final of the tournament’s history, it will be the first chance for the South African team to take home the glittering trophy.

Meanwhile, the craze of witnessing the final is high among spectators, as the stands are expected to be filled to its full capacity. The stadium’s official capacity is to accommodate 45,300 fans, but the numbers are expected to go up by evening. While the co-hosts are favourites, the visitors are no longer carrying the tag of ‘underdogs’. Jemimah Rodrigues’ unforgettable 127 not out and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89 to oust the seven-time champions Australia still remain the greatest ever innings of the sport at DY Patil Stadium.

For India, the battle is no longer about proving skill or form, but about crossing the elusive final hurdle that has so often tripped them — including in this very tournament. In this very tournament, the Proteas had defeated the co-hosts during the league stage. However, at DY Patil Stadium, the Indian team had registered two wins — including the record chase against Australia in the semifinal — while one match was washed away by heavy rain.

Sports