Precipitation postponed the coin flip for the Women's World Cup championship match between India and South Africa at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. Officials initially pushed the toss back half an hour to 3 p.m. local time with match action scheduled for 3:30 p.m., though additional moisture threatened further holdups. Both nations seek their maiden trophy in the 50-over format before an anticipated sellout crowd of 45,000 spectators. India advanced to their third championship game after defeating seven-time winners Australia in a dramatic semifinal, while South Africa reached their first after eliminating four-time champions England.
Continued showers forced another delay to 4:30 p.m. as grounds crews repeatedly placed and removed protective tarps. Tournament regulations permit starting a shortened 20-over contest until 9:08 p.m. with a Monday reserve date available if necessary. Five group stage contests were already abandoned due to the weather throughout the competition. Around 30,000 supporters packed the venue despite uncertain conditions, demonstrating enormous enthusiasm for the historic matchup that excludes traditional powers Australia and England for the first time.
Continued showers forced another delay to 4:30 p.m. as grounds crews repeatedly placed and removed protective tarps. Tournament regulations permit starting a shortened 20-over contest until 9:08 p.m. with a Monday reserve date available if necessary. Five group stage contests were already abandoned due to the weather throughout the competition. Around 30,000 supporters packed the venue despite uncertain conditions, demonstrating enormous enthusiasm for the historic matchup that excludes traditional powers Australia and England for the first time.
