Former India captain Anjum Chopra, who was part of the side that reached Women’s ODI World Cup 2005, has pointed out at a chink in India’s armour ahead of the final against South Africa. While India chase down a record-breaking total to beat mighty Australians in the semifinal to make it to their third ODI World Cup final, Chopra feels that India batters don’t look settled against left-arm spin. However, she believes that the fact that Laura Wolvaardt-led South Africa haven’t played in Navi Mumbai, may work in hosts’ favour.
"Talking about bowlers. India have been weak against left-arm spin. I wouldn’t call it a weakness because if they played with caution, it wouldn’t have been a problem. India knows how to play spin. The element which will be an important one is South Africa haven’t yet played in Navi Mumbai. India have,” Chopra said on her YouTube channel.
“If we match, South Africa and India both have capable players. Both have batting and bowling depth. South Africa have a deeper bowling unit. India fielded six bowlers in the semi-final and are likely to keep it the same. South Africa’s bowling might be deeper but India have the home advantage," she added.
South Africa have two left-arm spinners in their lineup — Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon. Mlaba has been in good form in the tournament, claiming 12 wickets at an average of 20.67, including a four-fer against New Zealand.
Chopra backs Mandhana
Chopra also backed Smriti Mandhana who could not carry forward after a good start in the semifinal run chase. She feels that the opener does not need to do anything extra. She recalled how captain Harmanpreet Kaur had faith in her as she wanted to bat first in the semifinal as well.
"Smriti Mandhana doesn’t need to work extra. She is ready for the contest and she knows how to play in big games. The biggest factor I saw in the game against Australia was calmness. Remember, Harman said she would have batted had she won the toss in the semi-final. That means the players in the team know how to make a 300+ score if they are batting first. As far as run-chases go, we have seen the Indian team,” the 48-year-old said.
Mandhana’s statistics in World Cup 2025 so far
Mandhana is India's leading run-scorer in the tournament. From eight innings, she has scored 389 runs at an average of 55.57 and strike rate of 102.37. She has one century and two fifties in the tournament ahead of the final.