An emotional start to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final as Team India stood tall for the national anthem, sung live by Sunidhi Chauhan, before facing South Africa. The powerful moment united fans across the Narendra Modi Stadium, setting the stage for a historic title clash. (Image Credit: X/ @Purnima017)
India W vs South Africa W: The sun sets on a packed Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai as Team India stood shoulder to shoulder, singing the national anthem for one last time in this edition of the Women's ODI World Cup. The atmosphere was electric, emotional, and proud-a reflection of India's remarkable journey to the final.
The moment the national anthem of India started playing, pride surged across the stadium. Tens of thousands of fans rose to their feet, their hands over their hearts, chanting across the huge stadium. For the players themselves, it was more than just a pre-match ritual — it was a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and belief.
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India's lineup stood resolute as the veterans like Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma were visibly moved. The visuals of the team standing tall, eyes glistening, captured the weight of expectations and the honor of representing the nation in a World Cup final at home.
Adding to the emotion of the evening, renowned playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan performed the Indian national anthem live at the stadium. Her powerful and soulful rendition struck the perfect chord with fans, sending the entire packed stadium into goosebumps.
The anthem echoed in the stands, and Sunidhi's live performance was rich in emotion, pride, and passion that lifted the ambiance to a whole new level. With her last note, the stadium erupted in applause, setting the tone for what promised to be a historic encounter between two top sides of women's cricket.
India entered the final on the back of a sensational semis win over defending champions Australia. Chasing a massive target of 339, India were powered by Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 127 guiding them to the highest successful chase in women's ODI history.
South Africa, meanwhile, reached their first ever Women's ODI World Cup final after a dominant 125-run victory over England, as captain Laura Wolvaardt smashed a stunning 169 and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp claimed 5-20 with the ball.
Both teams came into the final loaded with momentum, belief, and form. That readiness encapsulated the moment of the anthem, but the big question was, who would rise when it mattered most?
The strains of the anthem, with emotions running high for everyone in the stadium, now made way for the on-field battle. Chasing their first Women's ODI World Cup crown, India entered the final as favorites after that record-breaking semi-final win.
This was South Africa's first-ever final appearance, and they looked to make the most of it. From the resonance of "Jana Gana Mana" across the stands to the chants of "India! India!" that followed, the moment was more than sport-it was national pride at its loudest.
As the first ball was about to be bowled, one thing was clear: the anthem had already lit the fire in the hearts of Team India.
