India clinch maiden Women's World Cup as Wolvaardt's valiant ton goes in vain for SA

Until a week ago, Shafali Verma was not in India's game plan for the ICC Women's World Cup. But the ankle and knee injuries sustained by in-form all-rounder Pratika Rawal paved the way for her selection.

After an underwhelming start in the semifinal win over Australia, Shafali produced one of her best all-round games in the final, scoring 87 and claiming two wickets as India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their maiden title.

The big game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was delayed by two hours due to rain, but once it got going, the match was full of excitement. Laura Wolvaardt's valiant 101 went in vain as the South Africans threatened to chase down a 299-run target, but were bundled out for 246.

Deepti Sharma's brilliant all-round effort of 58 and 5/39 was just as brilliant. It wasn't surprising to see the experienced all-rounder take home the player-of-the-series prize for 215 runs and 22 wickets.

Wolvaardt, who opened the South African innings, could not find partners to match her resilience. She held a 52-run stand with Sune Luus (25), but the latter played a soft return catch into the hands of Shafali.

Annerie Dercksen (35) came up with a 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but rocked on her back foot, she was deceived by Deepti's smart yorker. Eventually, Wolvaardt fell, trying to clear Deepti, only to be taken by Amanjot after a brief fumble.

Earlier, after taunting cricket fans for almost two hours, the gods parted the rain clouds and the sun emerged, signalling readiness for the start of the final. Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl.

But Indian openers Shafali and Smriti Mandhana steadied a 104-run stand. The right-left combo produced 10 boundaries, most notably getting four of those against the dangerous Marizanne Kapp, who began with a maiden, but finished wicketless (0/59). India crossed 150 in 25 overs, but slowed down in the middle before Deepti and Richa Ghosh tried to get the total past 300.

Ghosh made a fine 34 off 24, while Ayabonga Khaka finished with 3/58.

Brief scores: India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Smriti Mandhana 45, Richa Ghosh 34, Ayabonga Khaka 3/58) bt South Africa 246 in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Anneri Dercksen 35, Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36)