India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium here on Sunday night to win their first Women’s World Cup thanks to a strong team effort.
The visitors were eight behind with 78 needed off 48 balls after South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed in the 42nd over and Chloe Tryon (9) was dismissed in the same over.
In front of fervent home fans, India cleaned out the Proteas for 246 in 45.3 overs, making history despite Nadine de Klerk’s late resistance.
With 5 for 39, Deepti Sharma spearheaded India’s assault, and Shafali Verma contributed two vital wickets.
In the summit match, Shafali Verma had a significant effect with the ball, scoring twice in rapid succession to give India the advantage. Before Sinalo Jafta went as the fifth wicket, she tightened India’s hold on the match by dismissing Sune Luus in her first over and then the dangerous Marizanne Kapp.
Amanjot Kaur’s powerful direct hit at the non-striker’s end put an end to Tazmin Brits earlier, marking India’s breakthrough. South Africa got a strong start to their chase thanks to a quick fifty-run opening partnership between Brits and Laura Wolvaardt during the powerplay.
Additionally, Sree Charani made an immediate impression by trapping Anneke Bosch LBW in her first over. Wolvaardt maintained her stellar form in spite of the swift defeats, scoring her 39th ODI fifty and leading South Africa past 100 with Luus to maintain their hopes.
However, Kaur’s decision to include Verma in the attack turned out to be crucial, as the youthful all-rounder’s two goals turned the tide back in India’s favor.
India had earlier scored the second-highest total in a Women’s ODI World Cup final with 298/7 in the first innings. Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma had a solid 100-run opening partnership, and at 223 for 3, India appeared poised for a huge score before South Africa fought back to limit them to just under 300.
Deepti Sharma’s controlled 58 offered stability in the middle order, while Shafali shone with a fluid 87. With a quick 34, Richa Ghosh contributed to the innings’ late momentum.
Among South Africa’s bowlers, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon each took a wicket, while Ayabonga Khaka excelled with figures of 3 for 58.
Brief Scores: South Africa 246/10 in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5-39, Shafali Verma 2-36) lost to India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 54, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3-58).
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