India have won the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time after a thrilling 52-run victory over South Africa in a rain-delayed final in Navi Mumbai.
Shafali Verma top-scored for India with 87 off 78 balls and put on a 104-run opening stand with Smriti Mandhana, while Deepti Sharma added 58 late in the innings, as they posted 298-7 after losing the toss and being made to bat at the DY Patil Stadium.
South Africa slipped to 148-5 in reply after part-time bowler Verma claimed two wickets and Sharma (5-39) removed Sinalo Jafta (16), only for captain Laura Wolvaardt (101) to post her second successive ODI century and push the Proteas closer to their victory target.
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India removed Tazmin Brits after Amanjot Kaur produced a stunning run-out
Deepti also bowled Annerie Dercksen (35) to end a 61-run sixth-wicket stand, before claiming the key wicket of Wolvaardt – via a juggling Amanjot Kaur catch – and Chloe Tryon in her next frantic over to move momentum back India’s way.
She then capped off her impressive display by running out Ayabonga Khaka (one) and by dismissing Nadine de Klerk (18), leaving South Africa dismissed for 246 in the 46th over and India celebrating a historic victory.
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Harmanpreet Kaur took a brilliant catch to wrap up victory and complete Deepti Sharma’s five-wicket haul
More to follow…
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