Navi Mumbai: India have set South Africa a target of 299 in the ICC Women’s World Cup final.
Asked to bat first, India looked to be on course for a total of well over 300 thanks after a 104-run opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58, 8×4) and Shafali Verma (87 off 78, 7×4, 2×6).
But despite every batter getting a start, India were stopped at 298/7 in their quota of 50 overs.
Jemimah Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, the stars of India’s semifinal conquest over mighty Australia, fell for 24 and 20, respectively as South African bowlers were able to slow down India’s march after the home team reached 171/2 in the 30th over.
The consistent Deepti Sharma scored a run-a-ball 58 and Richa Ghosh sizzled with a 24-ball 34 (3×4, 2×6), but India managed to add just 37 runs in the last 5 overs.
Considering that the D Y Patil Stadium is a high-scoring ground, India would have ideally wanted around 320-325 on the board.
But it’s the final, and South African women are likely to face the pressure of chasing with around 40,000 people rooting for the women in blue.
