The Indian women’s cricket team defeated South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their maiden Women’s World Cup title, in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Chasing 299 runs, South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as Deepti Sharma took a five-wicket haul.
In the first innings, Deepti Sharma (58*) and Shafali Verma (87) got half-centuries as India reached 298/7 in 50 overs.
Harmanpreet Kaur took an astonishing catch and Deepti Sharma finished with five wickets. Sharma is the player of the tournament.
India was handed a strong start, with both Shafali and Smriti Mandhana attacking Kapp. But Mandhana eventually outside-edged Tryon in the 18th over, and was caught at 45 off 58 balls. Meanwhile, Shafali got her half-century in the final ball of the same over. Eventually, she lost her wicket to Khaka for 87 off 78 balls, failing to get a ton.
India crossed the 50-run mark in 6.3 overs and got to 64/0 in 10 overs and then went past 100 runs in 17.2 overs, reaching 102/0. It was a delayed toss due to rain, and it took place at 4:32 PM. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl.
Both teams registered exceptional performances in the semi-finals as India got the better of Australia, while South Africa outclassed England.
In the group stage clash earlier, the Laura Wolvaardt-led side defeated India in Vizag, coming back from behind to launch an exceptional assault in the final few overs. Nadine de Klerk remained unbeaten as South Africa chased the target down.
India and South Africa have squared off against each other 34 times in women’s ODIs. India have won on 20 occasions, while South Africa emerged triumphant 13 times. One match ended in a no result.
Amazing semi final that led to the win
India had pulled off a stunning five-wicket win over defending champions Australia at DY Patil Stadium on Thursday, October 30, chasing down a record target to enter the Women’s ODI World Cup final. Jemimah Rodrigues led the chase with an unbeaten 127.
She credited faith in Christ after the semi final match winning century against Australia.
“Firstly I want to thank Jesus because I couldn’t do this on my own. I know he carried me through today”.
“I knew I had to show up, and God took care of everything. Initially, I was just playing and I keep talking to myself. Towards the end, I was just quoting a scripture from the Bible – to just stand still and that God will fight for me. I just stood there and he fought for me,” she said.
SA playing XI – Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
IND playing XI – Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur
(Agencies; Picture Courtesy: AFP)
