South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt slammed a century in the final of the Women’s World Cup against India to keep the Proteas firmly in the driver’s seat at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Wolvaardt took 96 deliveries to reach the milestone in an innings studded with 11 fours and 1 six.
The century against the hosts was her second of the tournament and her 11th of her ODI career, building on from that scintillating 169 runs against England in the semifinal. She acted as the hope for South Africa as wickets kept tumbling around her.
Earlier, Wolvaardt struck an unbeaten half-century as Shafali Verma’s twin blows reduced South Africa to 150 for five in 30 overs. India set South Africa a victory target of 299.
Shafali first caught and bowled Sune Luus (25) and then had Marizanne Kapp caught behind to leave SA at 123-4 in 22.1 overs.
Deepti Sharma then removed Sinalo Jafta (16) as SA lost half their side in 29.3 overs. Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen were batting on 75 and 1 respectively, with the visitors still needing 149 runs in 20 overs.
Opening the innings, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits (23) shared 51 runs before a sharp direct hit from Amanjot Kaur caught the latter short of her crease while attempting a quick single.
Earlier, India rode on Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 and Deepti Sharma’s composed half-century to post a challenging 298/6 against South Africa. Put in to bat after a two-hour delayed start due to a wet outfield, India were off to a flying start as Shafali and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (45) added 104 for the opening wicket at nearly seven runs per over.
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Shafali, drafted in for the semifinal against Australia following Pratika Rawal’s injury, continued her dream run with her first ODI fifty in over three years — her fifth overall — before falling for 87 off 78 balls with seven fours and two sixes.
South Africa clawed back through Ayabonga Khaka (3/58 from nine overs) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/47), who triggered a middle-overs slide after India’s commanding start to deny the hosts a psychological 300-mark.
