Shafali Verma top scored for India with an 87-run contribution.
South Africa were set a target of 299 runs to win against India on Sunday in the Women’s Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai.
After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, 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 when Madhana was caught behind by Sinalo Jata off a delivery from Chloe Tryon for 45 runs off 58 balls.
And while Verma was dismissed 10 overs later, when seam bowler Ayabonga Khaka had her caught by Suné Luus for 87 off 78, India were well set.
Sharma stands up
Danger batter Jemimah Rodrigues fell for 24 runs, but the home team’s middle order were carried by Deepti Sharma, who hit 58 at a run a ball, while Richa Gosh added a valuable 34 off 24 down the order.
However, while India laid a solid foundation and the Proteas spilled some catches, the SA bowlers did well to contain the hosts, who ultimately reached 298/7 in their 50 overs.
Though she was more expensive than she would have liked, Khaka led the SA attack, taking 3/58.
Earlier, the start of the match was delayed by two hours due to rain, but there were no further disruptions in the first innings of the game.
South Africa and India were both aiming to secure their first title at the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
