Proteas crushed again as India win World Cup final

South African cricket fans experienced heartache yet again, as the Proteas were handed a 52-run defeat against India in the Women’s Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai on Sunday.

Set a target of 299 runs to win, in search of the nation’s first limited overs World Cup title, captain Laura Wolvaardt carried the SA team’s top order, but the rest of the line-up crumbled around her as the Proteas found themselves in trouble at 148/5 in the 30th over of their innings.

The skipper stuck around for most of the innings, and she was assisted by Annerie Dercksen in a 61-run stand for the sixth wicket, with Dercksen making 35 runs before she was removed by spin bowler Deepti Sharma in the 40th over.

And a couple of overs later, Wolvaardt was dismissed, with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur taking a juggling catch at deep mid-wicket off another Sharma delivery.

Wolvaardt hit her 11th career ODI century, compiling 101 runs off 98 balls in an innings which included 11 fours and a six, but once she was gone, it signalled the beginning of the end for the Proteas as they were bowled out for 246.

Sharma spearheaded India’s bowling attack, taking 5/29 as the hosts secured victory with more than four overs to spare.

India innings

Earlier, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat in a match that was delayed by two hours due to rain, India got off to a solid start, with opening batters Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana combining in a 104-run stand for the first wicket.

The partnership was broken in the 18th over of the innings when Madhana was caught behind by Sinalo Jafta off a delivery from Chloe Tryon for 45 runs off 58 balls.

And while Verma was dismissed 10 overs later, when seamer Ayabonga Khaka had her caught by Suné Luus for 87 off 78, India were well set.

Danger batter Jemimah Rodrigues fell for 24 runs, but the home team’s middle order were carried by Sharma, who hit 58 at a run a ball, while Richa Gosh added a valuable 34 off 24 down the order, with India reaching 298/7 in their 50 overs.

Though she was more expensive than she would have liked, Khaka led the Proteas attack, taking 3/58.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team for the campaign that we’ve had. We’ve played some brilliant cricket throughout,” Wolvaardt said after the match.

“We were outplayed today. I think India played fantastically well, and it’s unfortunate to be on the losing side, but I think we’ll definitely grow from this as a group.”

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