What are the most successful chases in the history of the Women’s World Cup final? | Cricket News
South Africa will have to make history if they want to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 trophy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. India, powered by half-centuries from Shafali Verma (87 off 78 balls) and Deepti Sharma (58 off 58 balls), made a solid total of 298 for seven at the DY Patil Stadium. This is the second highest total ever recorded in a Women’s ODI World Cup final, with the top spot going to Australia Women, who made a total of 356/5 against England in 2022. The target means South Africa will have to achieve what no team has managed before – chasing down almost 300 in a title clash. The current record for the most successful chases in a Women’s World Cup final is much lower, at 167, than that achieved by England against New Zealand in the 2009 edition. Australia come next on the list with two successful chases – the first being 165 against New Zealand in 1997 and 152 against England in 1982. Their final victory in 1988 also came in a chase, when they overhauled England’s total of 129.
Most successful pursuits in the Women’s World Cup final
- 167 – England v New Zealand (2009) in Sydney
- 165 – Australia v New Zealand (1997) in Kolkata
- 152 – Australia v England (1982) in Christchurch
- 129 – Australia v England (1988) in Melbourne
Since the tournament’s inception in 1973, teams that bat first have traditionally had the upper hand in summit clashes. These finals often test composure as much as skill, and racing in such tense scenarios has always been a challenge. Only four times in 12 editions has a team managed to qualify for a Women’s World Cup final. With India being sent to bat first and posting close to 300, the pressure is on South Africa to rewrite this history.
Survey
Will South Africa be able to match India’s tally of 298 in the World Cup final?
As the chase begins under the Navi Mumbai floodlights, the Proteas face not only India’s attack, but also decades of World Cup trends that favor the team that bats first.
