NEW DELHI: India posted a strong 298 for 7 in the ICC Women’s World Cup final against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. After a delayed start caused by a wet outfield, India were asked to bat first and the openers set the stage beautifully. Shafali Verma’s blazing 87 and Smriti Mandhana’s fluent 45 powered India to 104 for the opening wicket, giving them complete control early on.

Shafali, who returned to the side in the semifinal after Pratika Rawal’s injury, continued her fine form with her first ODI fifty in more than three years. Her 78-ball innings was filled with seven fours and two sixes before Ayabonga Khaka finally dismissed her. By then, she had given India a perfect platform for a big total.

South Africa fight back through Khaka and Mlaba

South Africa showed good discipline to claw their way back after India’s flying start. Khaka was the standout performer, taking three wickets for 58 runs including the dismissals of Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues who made 24, and Richa Ghosh who chipped in with 34 from 24 balls. Nonkululeko Mlaba also played her part, removing captain Harmanpreet Kaur for 20 just as she was settling in.

India slipped from 166 for 2 to 223 for 4 as South Africa applied pressure in the middle overs. Deepti Sharma then steadied the innings with a composed 58 from 58 balls, her third fifty of the tournament. She added useful runs with Amanjot Kaur and later Richa Ghosh to guide India towards a strong finish.

Late strikes keep India under 300

Khaka’s breakthroughs and steady support from Mlaba and Nadine de Klerk ensured India did not cross the 300 mark. Deepti was run out in the final over, while Radha Yadav remained unbeaten on 3 as India ended at 298 for 7.