Prayers offered at Lord Venkateswara temple for Indian women's cricket team ahead of World Cup Final

As the Indian women's cricket team gears up for the World Cup Final at DY Patil Stadium against South Africa in Navi Mumbai today, prayers were offered to Lord Venkateswara on behalf of the Andhra Cricket Association for the team's victory.

The prayer was conducted as per the instructions of Minister Nara Lokesh, expressing solidarity and support for the women's team. TUDA Chairman Dollars Divakar Reddy also participated in the event.

Speaking to the reporters, Divakar Reddy said, "Today is a very proud moment... today India's women's cricket team has entered the finals after winning the semi-finals with strong wickets and scores... today at 3 o'clock India and South Africa will play the final match...the entire world is seeing...India should be very proud and must win the World Cup final...all the best to the players."

Sunday's title clash will be India's third time in the Women's World Cup final. India lost to Australia by 98 runs in the 2005 final and suffered a dramatic late collapse in 2017 against England to lose by nine runs.

Meanwhile, in the semi-finals on Thursday, India defied the odds to end Australia's reign as defending champions by pulling off a record run-chase of 339 runs in Navi Mumbai. Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten innings of 127 to guide India home. Harmanpreet Singh contributed with a vital 89.

South Africa will play at the venue for the first time at this World Cup.