Rain continues to frustrate fans and players at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, delaying the toss for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa. On a historic day for both sides, weather has become the first major opponent, keeping everyone waiting as drizzle and sudden heavy showers interrupt preparations.
Despite strong drainage and persistent work by the ground staff, the covers have been on more than off through the afternoon, forcing multiple inspections and pushing back the scheduled time for the toss.
Weather timeline so far
-
2.10pm local: Covers remain on, early signs of delay.
-
2.17pm local: Blue skies appear, partial cover removal begins.
-
2.23pm local: Umpires inspect; puddles spotted near boundary.
-
2.26pm local: Officials tentatively plan 3pm toss, 3:30pm start.
-
2.34pm local: Rain returns, umbrellas back up, covers rushed on.
-
4:55pm local / 09:25 GMT: Umpires out with umbrellas —
“It is BUCKETING DOWN folks!” -
15:26 local / 09:56 GMT: Fresh drizzle again.
“Covers that had gone off are coming back on,” reports Purnima.
Another setback as the drizzle returns and ground staff hurry covers back.
With the weather swinging between light drizzle and heavy showers, the atmosphere remains tense. The stands are filling up, fans are waiting, and both teams are staying loose indoors hoping for a window to get the game underway.
Nadine de Klerk: ‘Belief and simplicity’
South Africa all-rounder Nadine de Klerk stressed staying calm and sticking to basics.
“Simplicity is everything… Yes, we beat India in the group stage, but today is a new day. The past doesn’t matter. Everyone is desperate, everyone wants to win.”
She highlighted the belief within the group and how bouncing back from setbacks has shaped their journey.
Amanjot Kaur: ‘We’re excited, but stuck indoors’
India’s Amanjot Kaur spoke about the mood inside the dressing room.
“We are very excited, but it’s raining and we are holding our nerves. We’re just trying to keep ourselves busy. We can’t wait to step out.”
Reflecting on her semifinal finish and secret injury recovery:
“I wanted to stay till the end this time. My family didn’t know I was injured — they’ll find out now through the media.”
What next?
Match officials are continuing inspections, and the super-sopper remains active. A quick start is possible if rain stops, but at the moment, the toss remains delayed with no new confirmed time.
A reserve day is available, but both teams and thousands of fans are hoping the skies clear soon for cricket’s biggest stage to come alive.
