South Africa Off To A Slow Chase India's 298 Runs In ICC Women's World Cup Final

In the ICC Women's World Cup final, South Africa began their chase of India's 298-run total under pressure from disciplined bowling. Despite a powerful shot from Tazmin Brits, runs were hard to come by as the required rate increased, highlighting India's strong bowling performance.

South Africa’s chase of India’s 298-run total began on a shaky note in the rain-delayed ICC Women’s World Cup final in Navi Mumbai. Facing tight bowling and a sluggish pitch, openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt found it hard to score freely, managing only a handful of boundaries in the opening overs. India’s bowlers, led by their disciplined seamers, kept the pressure on from the first ball, forcing South Africa into a slow, cautious start.

Brits tried to break the shackles with a powerful six over midwicket — South Africa’s first big hit of the innings — but runs remained scarce as the required rate began to climb. The tension in the South African dugout was visible, with India’s fielders cutting off quick singles and their bowlers exploiting early movement off the pitch.

India’s Commanding Total

Earlier, after a delayed toss, South Africa opted to field first. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, made the most of their innings despite brief stumbles. Smriti Mandhana began aggressively with consecutive boundaries, while Shafali Verma’s fluent half-century kept the scoreboard moving. Deepti Sharma’s steady knock and Richa Ghosh’s explosive hitting late in the innings lifted India to a strong 298 for 7.

Deepti’s composed fifty anchored the middle overs, ensuring India maintained momentum even as wickets fell. Her towering six in the 44th over drew loud cheers from the stands, underscoring the confidence within the Indian camp.

As South Africa’s chase continues under fading daylight and growing pressure, India’s bowlers hold the upper hand — setting the stage for a tense finish in Navi Mumbai.