What are the biggest successful run chases in Women’s World Cup final history? | Cricket News

India posted a total of 298 in the final, meaning South Africa had to score 299 to lift their first-ever World Cup crown (Images via AP, Getty)

South Africa will need to script history if they are to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 trophy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. India, powered by half-centuries from Shafali Verma (87 from 78 balls) and Deepti Sharma (58 from 58 ballls), put up a strong 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 put up a total of 356/5 against England in 2022. The target means South Africa will have to achieve what no team has managed before, which is to chase down close to 300 in a title clash. The current record for the highest successful run chase in a Women’s World Cup final stands far below, at 167, achieved by England against New Zealand in the 2009 edition. Australia follows next on the list with two successful pursuits – the first being 165 against New Zealand in 1997 and 152 against England in 1982. Their 1988 final victory also came while chasing, when they overhauled England’s total of 129.

Since the tournament’s inception in 1973, teams batting first have traditionally enjoyed the upper hand in summit clashes. These finals often test composure as much as skill, and chasing in such high-pressure scenarios has historically been a challenge. Only four times in 12 editions has a team successfully chased in a Women’s World Cup final. With India sent in to bat first and posting close to 300, the pressure rests on South Africa to rewrite that history.

As the chase begins under the floodlights in Navi Mumbai, the Proteas face not just India’s attack, but also decades of World Cup trends that favour the side batting first.