At a crucial juncture of the Women’s World Cup final, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt was looking ominous, scoring a century and looking to drag the Proteas over the line against India to their first World Cup trophy. But fate had other plans for India after years of heartbreaks.
Trying to change gears, Wolvaardt tried to take on Deepti Sharma and slammed a ball high towards the mid-wicket region where allrounder Amanjot Kaur was patrolling the boundary. With the ball in the air, Amanjot readied herself and caught hold of it before fumbling thrice but just managed to hold on to it with one hand. That was the turning point with India ultimately winning their maiden ICC Trophy by defeating South Africa by 52 runs.
“My god, it was the toughest catch of my life. I have never fumbled before — either I have taken them or spilled them. There has been nothing in between but for the first time god gave me three chances (to take it). It was a crucial catch and we knew she would attack after completing her century and charge from one end,” Amanjot said after the match.
She also recalled what skipper Harmanpreet told the team before the final, asking them to give their best.
“It had been more difficult for her because the highs and lows that she has seen are something that we have not. To lose by small margins is not good and she had said this time around that she does not want to lose out by a small margin, everyone will have to go all out. We were just counting the wickets and not keeping an eye on what the score was,” Amanjot said.
Amanjot contributed significantly to India’s World Cup win, even accounting for a run out of Tazmin Brits to break a crucial South African opening partnership.
