India posted a competitive total of 298-7 against South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final in Mumbai, courtesy of impressive half-centuries by Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma. The match, delayed by rain, witnessed a strong opening partnership of 104 runs between Smriti Mandhana and Verma, who top-scored with 87, energizing the sell-out home crowd.
Sharma’s brisk 58 off 58 balls at the DY Patil Stadium, known for high-scoring games, added to India’s total. The ODI World Cup final is poised for a new champion with both India and South Africa eyeing their first title. Rain caused a two-hour delay before South Africa’s skipper Laura Wolvaardt won the toss in their first final appearance.
India’s aggressive approach, led by Mandhana and Verma, kept the pressure on the South African bowlers, with boundaries flowing regularly. Verma, replacing the injured Pratika Rawal, reached her fifty but had a lucky escape on 56 when a catch was dropped.
South Africa’s Chloe Tyron made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Mandhana, while Ayabonga Khaka sent back Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues to slow down India’s momentum. Sharma and captain Harmanpreet Kaur then steadied the ship against disciplined South African bowling.
Despite losing wickets, India fought back strongly with Richa Ghosh partnering with Sharma to push the score higher. India, two-time runners-up, are aiming for their maiden Women’s World Cup title in their third final appearance.