Wolvaardt Says Pressure on India Ahead of World Cup Final

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt believes the pressure of playing at home will weigh heavier on India when the two sides meet in Sunday’s Women’s ODI World Cup final in Navi Mumbai. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Wolvaardt said India’s home advantage could turn into added expectation. “With the whole crowd behind India, it’s going to be a very exciting opportunity,” she said. “But at the same time, it puts a lot of pressure on them. They have the whole country expecting them to win, which might play in our favour. We just need to stay calm and do the basics for longer.” The 25-year-old captain said her message to the team ahead of their first ODI World Cup final is simple — “slow down, take a deep breath, and stay calm.” South Africa, who also reached the finals of the last two T20 World Cups, are chasing their first global title. Reflecting on previous heartbreaks, Wolvaardt said the team had learned from those experiences. “The first time you’re in a final, it feels very big and fast-paced. This time, we want to slow things down and focus on the present,” she said. After a rocky start to the tournament, including being bowled out for 69 against England, South Africa recovered strongly, winning five consecutive matches and defeating England again in the semi-final — with Wolvaardt scoring 169 and Marizanne Kapp taking five wickets. A World Cup win, Wolvaardt said, would be “a defining moment” for women’s cricket in South Africa. “It would be really special for our country. I can only imagine what it would mean for young girls back home to see us lift the trophy.”