India’s women kept the momentum from their semi‑final win over Australia to put up a strong 298/7 against South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were the stars of the match, helping India chase the target before the final overs.
Shafali’s big innings
Shafali Verma, 21, hit a career‑best 87 in just 78 balls, becoming the youngest Indian to score a half‑century in a World Cup final. She started fast, smashing a boundary off the first ball she faced and added 64 runs in the power‑play with opener Smriti Mandhana. Verma’s 64 included five fours and a six, the first six of the game hit off Nadine de Klerk. She was dismissed just shy of a century, caught by Anneke Bosch on a tired shot that fell to Sune Luus.
Verma’s explosive start left India 100/0 early on, the fastest opening partnership to reach 100 runs in Indian ODI history. After her wicket, the team fell to 166/2, but the batting depth kept the score ticking.
Deepti’s steady support
Deepti Sharma added 54 from 52 balls, her third half‑century of the tournament. She built a 47‑run partnership with Richa Ghosh for the sixth wicket, keeping India’s chase steady. Sharma’s shots included a six off de Klerk and several well‑placed fours. The steady run flow pushed the score to 298 before the 50th over finished.
South Africa’s fightback
South Africa, bowling first, clawed back in the middle overs. Spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba proved a key wicket‑taker, taking the Indian captain’s wicket after a strong second spell. She also took the wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur and helped bring the score to 223/4. The South African bowlers still had a chance, but India’s batting depth kept them from falling below 300.
Final tally
India finished 298/7 in 50 overs, thanks to Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s 54. A strong opening partnership, a solid middle‑order run, and effective bowling gave India a convincing win over South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final.
Key players: Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana, Ayabonga Khaka.
Source: ianslive
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