In a thrilling summit at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, the South Africa women’s national cricket team came agonisingly close but were undone by a 52‑run defeat to the India women’s national cricket team in Navi Mumbai, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, smashed a majestic 101 off 98 balls, including 11 fours and a six, marking her second century in two straight knockout games. Despite her heroics, the rest of the batting lineup faded, leaving young Annerie Dercksen (35 off 37) as the only other meaningful contributor.
India’s triumph was fuelled by unmatched all‑round dominance: opener Shafali Verma carved out a rapid 87 off 78 deliveries (7×4; 2×6) before later opening her bowling account with two wickets, and off‑spinner Deepti Sharma sealed the victory with an electric 5/39 in 9.3 overs, after crafting a composed 58 with the bat. India piled up 298/7 batting first, then dismantled South Africa for 246.
Wolvaardt acknowledged the gap after the match: ‘I couldn’t be prouder of the campaign we’ve had… but we were out‑played today.’ She reflected on her team’s roller‑coaster run‑in and their potential to grow. During the chase, South Africa had glimmers of hope: an opening stand of 51 under 10 overs between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, followed by a 52‑run partnership for the third wicket. But crucial breakthroughs, including dismissals of Wolvaardt and Dercksen by Sharma in the 40th and 42nd overs, extinguished the fight.
Earlier, India’s imposing total was built on the back of a 104‑run opening stand and a later 47‑run cameo from Richa Ghosh (34 off 24). South Africa’s bowling found moments of success, with Ayabonga Khaka grabbing 3/58 and Nonkululeko Mlaba supporting with a wicket, but the early acceleration by India proved too steep a hill.
Ultimately, while Wolvaardt’s brilliance will be remembered, it was India’s thunderous all‑round display that claimed the title on home soil and denied the Proteas their first 50‑over crown.
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Picture: Surjeet Yadav / Gallo Images
