Wolvaardt’s ton in vain as India beat South Africa to lift Women’s World Cup

Navi Mumbai: Skipper Laura Wolvaardt's century went in vain as India beat South Africa by 52 runs to lift the ICC Women's ODI World Cup trophy here on Sunday.

South Africa were all out for 246 in 45.3 overs while chasing a target of 299.

Wolvaardt's 101 kept South Africa in the chase and took them to 211 for six after 40 overs. She found support from Annerie Dercksen, who made 35, and the pair added 61 runs for a key stand that kept South Africa afloat. Deepti Sharma broke the partnership by bowling Dercksen, and the pressure grew on the hosts after that.

Deepti then dismissed Wolvaardt on 101 to end South Africa’s last major resistance. Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka fell soon after as India tightened the field and hit disciplined lengths to close out the game with more than four overs left.

Earlier, after being asked to bat, India posted 298 for seven. Shafali Verma led the way with a robust 87 that set up the innings. India made smart use of the middle overs, rotated the strike, and found timely boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving. South Africa fought back at the death with accurate bowling and sharp fielding to keep India under 300, but the total proved more than enough.

India’s bowlers kept control for long phases of the chase. They struck early, bowled to their fields, and did not allow South Africa to run away with the required rate even during Wolvaardt’s century. Regular wickets after the 35th over sealed the result.

The win caps a consistent campaign for India, who handled pressure in the knockout stages and delivered in the final. South Africa had their moments through Wolvaardt’s hundred and the Dercksen stand, but India held their nerve when the game tightened and finished the job to claim the World Cup.