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Women's WC FINAL: India drops 2 catches in 2 balls

Sun, 02 November 2025

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23:55

India drops 2 catches in 2 balls

SA 232-8 (44 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Charani returns to the attack. de Klerk skies one high - but it just clears Gaud at mid-on! She follows it up with a crisp boundary and then a single. Charani oversteps - it's a no-ball! De Klerk charges down the track on the free hit, misses completely, and is stumped by a mile - but it doesn't count. Khaka safely sees off the rest of the over. Eight runs came off it, and after 43 overs, South Africa are 229 for 8, needing 70 from 42 balls.

Renuka is back for another spell. de Klerk swings and misses, then glances one fine for a single. In the air - and dropped by Renuka herself! Another chance goes down the very next ball, this time by Rodrigues. Two missed opportunities in two deliveries! De Klerk nudges into the off side; Gaud, fielding there, seems to have injured her left thumb and has to walk off. De Klerk finishes the over with a single.

Just three runs from it - after 44 overs, South Africa are 232 for 8, needing 67 from 36 balls.

23:46

Deepti removes removes Laura, Tryon; SA in deep trouble

SA 221-8 (42 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Amanjot returns to the attack. Laura picks up an easy single to start the over. Tryon defends one and then steps out to thump a boundary down the ground, showing some intent. She follows it up with a couple of runs to deep midwicket. A handy over for South Africa - 9 runs off it - and after 41 overs, they're 220 for 6.

Deepti continues, and she strikes! Caught by Amanjot Kaur! What a moment - Amanjot juggles it twice but finally holds on at the third attempt.

Laura Wolvaardt's fine innings comes to an end on 101 off 98 balls, and with that, South Africa's last real hope walks back. India are ecstatic - the visitors now 220 for 7 and in deep trouble.

de Klerk walks in and is rapped on the pads first ball - loud appeal from India! Not given, and with no reviews left, they can't challenge it. She's off the mark with a single soon after. Next ball, Tryon is thumped on the front pad - this time the finger goes up! She reviews immediately, but the replay shows the ball just clipping leg stump - Umpire's Call, and the crowd erupts. Tryon has to walk back for 9 off 8 balls.

Khaka is the new batter, she defends the last two.

South Africa are now 8 down for 221, needing 78 runs from 50 balls.

23:35

Dercksen falls but Laura brings up her 100

SA 211-6 (40 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Deepti Sharma returns to the attack, keeping things tight as Laura and Dercksen work the ball around for singles. Just 4 runs come off it, and after 38 overs South Africa are 198 for 5, needing 101 from 72 balls.

Shafali continues, and Dercksen starts with a couple of solid defensive strokes before nudging one down to long-on for a single. Laura then breaks free - a crisp boundary through the off side brings up the 200 for South Africa. A misfield adds to India's frustration, with captain Harmanpreet looking visibly unhappy. And Laura isn't done yet - another boundary to end the over! A fine display of control and aggression as she moves to 98 off 94 balls, showing no signs of nerves. 9 runs off it, and after 39 overs South Africa are 207 for 5, needing 92 from 66 balls.

Deepti continues, and Dercksen flicks towards deep midwicket for a single. Laura takes another to move to 99.

But Deepti has her revenge -clean bowled! A perfect yorker sneaks under Dercksen's bat, ending her fine knock of 35 off 37 balls. Deepti makes up for her earlier drop, and India celebrate a huge breakthrough.

South Africa are now 208 for 6, and the pressure swings back firmly on the visitors.

Tryon is the new batter. She is off the mark with a single. And with a single Laura brings up her 100! What an achievement! Just like Jemimah she doesn't celebrate as she has a bigger task.

23:24

Deepti drops Dercksen! Costly miss

SA 194-5 (37 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Renuka Singh is back into the attack. Dercksen and Laura pick up a single each to keep the scoreboard moving. Oh, a big moment - Dercksen is dropped by Deepti Sharma at midwicket! A straightforward chance goes down, and India may just regret that one if this partnership continues to build. Dercksen regains composure and defends the next delivery before taking another single to end the over. Just 3 runs from it - after 36 overs, South Africa are 186 for 5, needing 113 from 84 balls.

Laura Wolvaardt is anchoring the chase beautifully on 86 off 87 balls, while Annerie Dercksen is proving to be a solid partner with 25 off 24.

Shafali returns, and Dercksen greets her with a crisp boundary to deep midwicket. She follows it up with a single, and Laura collects one too to keep the strike rotating. Dercksen swings hard at one and misses, but the pair add another couple of singles before the over ends.

Eight runs off it, and after 37 overs, South Africa are 194 for 5, needing 105 from 78 balls.

23:16

SA keeps hope alive with singles

SA 183-5 (35 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Charani continues after the drinks break. Laura drives elegantly down to long-off for a single. Dercksen defends a couple of deliveries, then nudges one towards extra cover for another run. Laura is beaten outside off on the last ball - a tight, tidy over from the youngster. Just 2 runs off it, and after 33 overs, South Africa are 175 for 5.

Renuka Thakur returns to the attack, looking to break this partnership. Both Dercksen and Laura pick up singles early in the over, rotating strike well. South Africa manage five runs from it, and after 34 overs, they move to 180 for 5 - needing 119 from 96 balls.

Charani continues, keeping things under control. Dercksen steals a quick single, diving full stretch to make her ground. The batters keep chipping away with a few more singles, but the required rate keeps climbing. Four runs from the over - after 35 overs, South Africa are 183 for 5, needing 116 from the last 90 balls.

23:03

Dercksen's blitz hits India hard

SA 173-5 (32 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Half of South Africa's side is back in the hut, and India are firmly on top - largely thanks to Shafali Verma's golden spell. She continues, and Laura starts with a solid block towards cover, then collects a couple of runs. A fierce pull to deep midwicket brings her another single. Dercksen defends patiently before nudging one for two more. Six runs off it - after 31 overs, South Africa are 156 for 5.

Radha Yadav returns. Dercksen drives to cover for no run, then works one into the leg side for a single. Laura goes on the back foot, pulling to long-on where Jemimah keeps it to one. Harmanpreet dives brilliantly at extra cover to save runs, but Dercksen follows it up with a massive six - and it's called a no-ball! The free-hit disappears too, another six! That's a huge over for South Africa - 17 runs from it.

After 32 overs, South Africa are 173 for 5. That one over has shifted the momentum slightly - and with drinks taken, they now need 126 runs from the remaining 18 overs.

22:55

Deepti strikes as India tightens the screw

SA 150-5 (30 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Deepti Sharma replaces Radha Yadav. Jafta drives down to long-on for a single. Laura defends a few before flicking through midwicket for a couple of runs. A dot to finish - just three runs from the over. After 28 overs, South Africa are 141 for 4, needing 158 more from 22 overs.

Shafali is back into the attack, with Harmanpreet rotating her bowlers smartly tonight. Jafta picks up a couple as Kranti Gaud fumbles at deep midwicket. She cuts to point for no run, defends the next, and then finds deep midwicket for a single. Five runs off the over. After 29 overs, South Africa are 146 for 4.

Deepti continues. There's a risky single - Laura survives a run-out scare at the non-striker's end. She gets another single soon after. Then, a breakthrough! Out! Caught by Radha Yadav! Sinalo Jafta tries to go over the top to up the scoring rate, but she's cramped for room and miscues it straight to Radha. Jafta departs for 16 off 29 balls, and South Africa slip further.

Annerie Dercksen walks in as the new batter.

Meanwhile, if rain interrupts play now, the DLS method will come into effect. There's no reserve day for this final - and as things stand, India are ahead on DLS.

22:45

Laura, Jafta keep SA chase on track

SA 138-4 (27 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Radha Yadav continues. Laura and Jafta exchange singles early in the over. Laura drives one straight back to the bowler, then works the next towards long-on for another single. Jafta swings hard and misses but finishes with a boundary to deep midwicket. Seven runs from the over - after 26 overs, South Africa are 134 for 4, needing 165 more from 24 overs.

Charani returns to the attack. Laura is beaten first up but follows it with a single to long-off. Jafta too is beaten outside off, then nudges one to long-off for a single. She advances down the track and eases another to the same region to end the over. Tight work again - just 4 runs off it. After 27 overs, South Africa are 138 for 4.

22:39

Shafali strikes again, SA in trouble

SA 127-4 (25 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Radha Yadav returns to the attack. Jafta looks a bit shaky early on - one goes up in the air but lands safely. Just a single to finish the over. After 24 overs, South Africa are 125 for 4.

Shafali continues from the other end. Jafta works one towards square leg for a single after a few dot balls. Laura looks to rotate strike but can't find the gaps. Another single to end the over - just 2 runs off it. After 25 overs, South Africa are 127 for 4, needing 172 more from 25 overs.

22:32

Shafali strikes again, SA in trouble

SA 124-4 (23 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Deepti Sharma continues. Laura defends a couple before nudging one for a single. Kapp follows with one of her own. There's a loud appeal for caught behind - Ghosh is convinced and persuades Harmanpreet to go upstairs! But UltraEdge shows a flat line - no bat involved. It's called a wide, and India lose their only review. The batters exchange a single each to close out the over.

Five runs come off it, and after 22 overs South Africa are 123 for 3, needing 176 more from 28 overs.

Shafali strikes again! Caught down the leg side by Richa Ghosh!

A faint tickle as Kapp tries to glance it fine, and Ghosh makes no mistake behind the stumps. Marizanne Kapp departs for 4 off 5 balls, and suddenly South Africa are in trouble at 123 for 4.

Sinalo Jafta is the new batter. She takes her time to settle in, defending a few deliveries before nudging one for a single off the last ball.

Just 1 run and a wicket from the over - after 23 overs, South Africa are 124 for 4.

22:24

Luus falls to Shafali, SA 3 down

SA 118-3 (21 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Shafali Verma is brought into the attack now. Laura drives down the ground for a single. Luus on strike and Shafali strikes right away!

The youngster who's been shining with the bat now delivers with the ball too. What a final she's having! Luus is early into her push, the ball stops on her a touch, and Shafali reacts brilliantly to take a sharp low return catch. Luus departs for 25 off 31 balls, and India have their breakthrough.

Kapp strides out to the middle and gets off the mark immediately with a single. South Africa are 115 for 3 - and Shafali's all-round brilliance continues to light up this final.

22:20

Laura reaches 50 as SA passes 100

SA 113-2 (20 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Radha Yadav continues. Luus starts cautiously with three solid defenses before breaking free with a cracking boundary - and follows it up with another! Back-to-back fours from the South African skipper. A single to end the over. Nine runs off it - after 19 overs, South Africa are 109 for 2.

India need to break this partnership soon as the batters are finding boundaries with ease.

Deepti Sharma returns to the attack. Luus is watchful again, defending three before piercing the gap for a boundary. At the 20-over mark, South Africa are 113 for 2, needing 186 more from 30 overs. The chase is nicely poised, and this partnership is beginning to look dangerous for India.

22:17

Laura reaches 50 as SA passes 100

SA 100-2 (18 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Charani continues. Luus is cautious, defending and sending the ball back to the bowler. After three dot balls, she finally gets off strike with a single down to long-on. Laura faces the last two deliveries - one blocked to extra cover, and the other beautifully driven through the covers for four. That brings up the 100 for South Africa.

After 18 overs, they're 100 for 2, needing 199 more from 32 overs.

22:10

Laura brings up dominant fifty

SA 95-2 (17 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Amanjot continues. Luus works it towards mid-wicket but finds the fielder. She makes up for it with a crisp boundary off the next delivery. The batters exchange singles before Laura adds another to end the over. Time for drinks - after 15 overs, South Africa are 78 for 2.

Charani resumes after the break, starting with a wide. Laura plays out a couple of dot balls before finishing the over in style with a boundary past point. Six runs from the over - after 16, South Africa are 84 for 2.

Radha Yadav joins the attack. Luus nudges one towards point for a single. Laura defends the next before cutting a boundary to bring up her half-century, then follows it up with another four through midwicket. Two more singles close out the over.

A productive one for South Africa - 11 runs off it, and after 17 overs they're 95 for 2, needing 204 more from 33 overs.

21:56

Charani strikes, SA 2 down

SA 71-2 (14 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Amanjot returns to the attack. Laura greets her with a crisp boundary through the covers. She plays the next towards mid-wicket for no run, then picks up a single to deep square leg. Luus gets off the mark with a single, and Laura finishes the over with another run. Seven runs came off it, and after 13 overs South Africa are 69 for 2.

Charani continues. Laura taps it back to the bowler, and a slight misfield allows her a single. Luus stays patient, defending carefully before nudging one to long-on for another run. Laura defends the final two balls. Just two runs from the over - after 14 overs, South Africa are 71 for 2, needing 228 more from 36 overs.

21:51

Charani strikes, SA 2 down

SA 62-2 (12 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Deepti continues, and Laura defends the first before launching a massive six over long-on - pure timing! She follows it up with a single, while Bosch remains watchful in defence. Seven runs came off it, and after 11 overs South Africa are 59 for 1.

Change in bowling - Shree Charani comes into the attack. Laura starts with a couple of runs, then adds a single to keep the strike rotating. Bosch pushes to mid-off for no run, and Charani strikes! Big appeal for LBW, and the umpire raises the finger. Bosch's tough tournament ends in disappointment as she departs for a duck. Just three runs and a wicket from the over - after 12 overs, South Africa are 62 for 2.

21:40

Amanjot breaks SA opening stand

SA 52-1 (10 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Bowling change for India as Amanjot Kaur comes into the attack. Tazmin Brits drives crisply but finds extra cover, then collects a couple of runs off the next. A mistimed shot goes in the air, just wide of the bowler - a risky single follows as Jemimah has a shy at the stumps and narrowly misses. Laura Wolvaardt, meanwhile, finds her timing - two consecutive boundaries! South Africa's openers keep the momentum going. 11 runs come off it, and after 8 overs, SA are 44 for 0.

Deepti Sharma joins the attack with her off-spin, and immediately tightens the screws. Just 7 runs off her over, and after 9 overs, South Africa are 51 for 0.

Renuka Singh continues - and India finally strike! Tazmin defends a couple before taking off for a risky single, but a sharp piece of fielding from Amanjot Kaur catches her short of the crease. Brilliant direct hit, and Navi Mumbai erupts! Tazmin departs for 23 off 35 balls, and India have their breakthrough.

Anneke Bosch walks in to join Laura Wolvaardt. Laura sweeps towards cover for a single to keep the scoreboard ticking. Bosch plays watchfully, defending the last two deliveries with a straight bat.

After 10 overs, South Africa are 52 for 1, needing 247 runs from 40 overs.

21:27

India desperate for a breakthrough

SA 33-0 (7 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Kranti Gaud continues, and South Africa's openers are beginning to find their rhythm. Laura Wolvaardt drives elegantly through cover for a boundary, then flicks one toward square leg for a single. Tazmin Brits follows with a neat flick toward backward square leg, and Laura adds a couple more to close out the over. Eight runs from it - after 6 overs, South Africa are 26 for 0.

Renuka Singh continues from the other end. Tazmin defends the first few deliveries before freeing her arms - and there it goes! A towering six, the first of South Africa's innings. She defends a couple and then nudges one to extra cover for a single. A dot to finish the over. Seven runs came off it, and after 7 overs, South Africa are 33 for 0.

The SA openers are settling in nicely, and with the surface easing up, India will be desperate for an early breakthrough.

21:18

SA openers maintain composure

SA 18-0 (5 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Kranti Gaud continues, keeping things tight from her end. Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt rotate the strike with a single each before Tazmin settles into defence for the rest of the over. A tidy one again - after 4 overs, South Africa are 12 for 0.

Renuka Singh bowls her third over and begins with another wide down leg. Laura adjusts quickly, defending one before finding the gap for a boundary through cover - her first of the innings. She follows it up with a neat single to keep the strike rotating.

A composed over for South Africa as they look to build steadily - 6 runs from it, and after 5 overs, they move to 18 for 0, needing 281 more from 45 overs.

21:10

SA start watchfully

SA 10-0 (3 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

Kranti Gaud shares the new ball from the other end. Laura Wolvaardt starts watchfully, defending towards cover before flicking one to mid-off, where the fielder is quick to cut it off. A wide follows to release some pressure. Laura then gets off strike with a single to cover, well-fielded by Jemimah Rodrigues. Tazmin Brits, looking positive, slams the first boundary of the innings - South Africa's intent is clear. Beaten by the last ball, but it's a decent over for the visitors - 6 runs off it, and after 2 overs, South Africa are 7 for 0.

Renuka Singh continues, beginning with a wide down leg, but Richa Ghosh dives brilliantly to prevent extra runs. Tazmin defends the next two deliveries before there's a huge appeal for LBW - it's going down leg. Another shout follows soon after, and while Renuka looks uncertain, Harmanpreet opts for the review. Replays confirm the ball is missing the stumps - India lose their first review. Tazmin cuts one towards extra cover but can't beat the fielder and finishes the over with a single.

A tight one - just three runs off it, as South Africa move to 10 for 0 after 3 overs.

21:01

SA start cautiously

SA 1-0 (1 Ovs) vs India 298-7 | SCORECARD

The ground staff are out with ropes and mats to clear any dew before the Indian players huddle up for a quick pep talk.

The South African openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, stride purposefully to the middle, chasing a target of 299 in this World Cup final.

Renuka Singh takes the new ball and begins with precision. Laura defends the first delivery, swings and misses the next, then jabs one towards mid-on but can't pierce the field. A short and wide ball finally allows her to get off the mark with a single. Tazmin Brits looks solid in defense but can't find the gap either.

A disciplined opening from Renuka - just one run off the first over, as South Africa begin cautiously at 1.

20:25

India sets South Africa 299 target

India 298-7 (50 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

De Klerk to bowl the final over. Deepti and new batter Radha Yadav exchange singles to start. Deepti continues to deal in ones - her third of the over. Radha pushes towards extra cover for another single, bringing Deepti back on strike. In the air... but safe! Just a single to end the innings. Outstanding final over from de Klerk -only six runs off it. A mix-up off the last ball and Deepti Sharma is run out for a fighting 58 off 58 balls.

India finish on 298/7. Given the blistering start from Shafali and Smriti, India will feel they're at least 20 runs short.

20:20

Richa Ghosh departs, India 6 down

India 292-6 (49 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Khaka to bowl the penultimate over. Starts with a perfect yorker - Ghosh can only dig it out into the off side. They check for the front foot' it's a fair delivery. Another yorker follows; Ghosh can't do much with that either but manages a single next ball. Deepti breaks the pressure with a much-needed boundary, then follows up with a single. But heartbreak for India - Richa holes out to Dercksen at deep backward square leg! She makes no mistake this time.

Richa walks back, disappointed, after a lively 34 off 24 balls. 6 runs and a wicket from the over. After 49 overs, India are 292/6.

20:14

Deepti brings up her fifty

India 286-5 (48 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Khaka returns to the attack. Deepti and Richa rotate the strike nicely, picking up five singles before Richa ends the over with a cracking boundary. 9 runs off it - after 45 overs, India are 262/5.

de Klerk continues. Deepti drives towards deep for a single. Richa defends a couple, then pierces the field for a boundary and keeps strike with a single. 6 runs from the over - after 46 overs, India are 268/5.

Mlaba to bowl her final over. Richa and Deepti exchange singles before Richa finds the gap for another boundary and follows it with a single. With that, Deepti moves to 49 off 52 balls. A tidy over again - 9 runs from it. After 47 overs, India are 277/5.

Kapp to bowl the 48th. Richa swings and misses the first one, then drives it along the ground to mid-off for no run. She finally connects - a huge six! That's what she was waiting for. Follows it up with a single.With another single towards the off side, Deepti brings up her fifty off 53 balls - a calm, composed knock. It's her sixth fifty against South Africa and third of the tournament.

Richa gets a life! Bosch puts her down again - a tough day in the field for her. 9 runs off the over. After 48 overs, India are 286/5.

19:58

Amanjot departs, India 5 down

India 253-5 (44 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Mlaba continues, and the batters rotate the strike nicely - 7 runs off it, India 236/4 after 41 overs.

Kapp returns. Amanjot finds the boundary with a neat drive, adding some momentum to the innings. Another 7 off the over - India 243/4 after 42.Mlaba continues. Just 2 runs off it, but a big moment - a loud LBW appeal! The umpire isn't convinced, and South Africa go upstairs. No bat involved, but the impact is outside off -review lost, and Deepti survives. After 43 overs, India are 245/4.

De Klerk is back - and strikes immediately! A sharp caught-and-bowled to remove Amanjot for 12 off 14. India lose their fifth wicket.

Richa Ghosh walks out to join Deepti Sharma.

Richa announces her arrival in style - smashes a huge six! Follows it up with a single. Deepti adds one more to the total, before a dot ends the over. 8 runs and a wicket came off it - after 44 overs, India are 253/5.

19:42

Harmanpreet departs, India 4 down

India 223-4 (39 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

De Klerk returns to the attack. Huge shout for LBW - and the umpire raises the finger! Deepti opts for the review. Replay shows it pitched outside leg - she survives. A single follows, and the pair continue to rotate the strike smartly. Deepti ends the over with a crisp boundary. 8 runs off it - after 37 overs, India are 211/3.

Tryon continues. Harmanpreet drives through cover for a single. Deepti follows up with a cracking boundary, then both batters add singles to keep the scoreboard moving. Another steady over - 8 runs off it, India 219/3 after 38.

Mlaba back into the attack. Deepti and Harman pick a single apiece before a wide down the leg side adds another. Harman looks to push again but misses - and she's bowled! A huge moment in the game as the Indian skipper departs for 20 off 29. Four runs and a wicket off the over - after 39 overs, India are 223/4.

19:23

200 comes up for India

India 203-3 (36 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Tryon returns to the attack. Close call first up - Deepti has to put in a desperate dive to make her ground; a direct hit would've had her miles short! She drives toward square leg - another fine dive saves two runs. A single to long off follows before Harmanpreet slams a much-needed boundary - a welcome release. Two more singles to finish the over. 10 runs off it - after 34 overs, India are 195/3.

De Klerk back into the attack. Deepti misses one - leg bye taken. Harmanpreet pushes one back to the bowler, no run. The pair keep the scoreboard ticking with singles. India reach 200 after 35 overs - 200/3.

Tryon continues. The experienced duo of Deepti and Harmanpreet work the gaps for just three singles. After 36 overs, India are 203/3.

19:13

India lose two quick wickets

India 185-3 (33 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

The wicket of Jemimah Rodrigues has injected fresh energy into South Africa. Kapp continues - Deepti plays it cautiously, defending the first three balls before finding a single towards point. Harmanpreet sends one straight back to the bowler. Just one run from the over - after 31 overs, India are 173/3.

Khaka keeps the pressure on. Deepti defends a couple of deliveries solidly. One strays down the leg side - wide signalled. Deepti works another towards midwicket for a single. Tight bowling again - only two runs from the over. After 32 overs, India are 175/3.

Kapp continues. Deepti finally breaks free - steps out and launches a huge six over midwicket! The partnership begins to find rhythm as the pair rotate strike with a few quick singles. A productive over - 10 runs off it. After 33 overs, India are 185/3.

18:57

India lose two quick wickets

India 172-3 (30 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Kapp returns to the attack. Jemimah works it neatly towards square leg for a single. Harmanpreet takes her time to settle in, defending a few before unleashing a crisp boundary through cover. Five runs off the over - after 29 overs, India are 171/2.

Khaka to continue. Jemimah starts with a solid defense, then pushes one straight back to the bowler. Another dot follows - she's looking to rebuild patiently. But there's drama! A sharp chance is taken low by Wolvaardt, and there's immediate doubt - did it carry?

The umpires go upstairs. After several replays, the third umpire concludes that the fingers were indeed under the ball. Jemimah Rodrigues has to walk back for 24 off 37 balls. A big moment for South Africa!

Deepti Sharma walks in and gets off the mark with a single. Harmanpreet defends the last ball. After 30 overs, India are 172/3.

18:47

Shafali departs for 87, India 2 down

India 166-2 (28 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Mlaba returns to the attack. Jemimah defends confidently on the front foot before nudging one towards sweeper cover for a single. The pair continues to rotate strike nicely, keeping the scoreboard moving. Four runs from the over - after 27 overs, India are 162/1.

Khaka continues. Shafali works it towards deep midwicket for a single. Jemimah drives firmly towards mid-off - superb stop from Luus to save three runs. Shafali goes aerial but lands it just short of the fielder, and de Klerk dives brilliantly to prevent another boundary. Jemimah picks up a single to keep strike rotating.

And then -the breakthrough! Shafali goes for the big shot but miscues it. Luus takes a safe catch in the deep, and Khaka's persistence pays off. Shafali falls for a brilliant 87 off 78 balls, ending a superb innings full of intent and timing. India lose their second wicket at 166.

Skipper Harmanpreet walks in and defends the last off the over.

18:42

Shafali unstoppable!

India 158-1 (26 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Luus continues. Jemimah defends and then works it towards sweeper cover for a single. The duo continues to rotate strike smartly, picking up singles with ease. Five singles off the over - after 23 overs, India are 134/1.

Tryon continues, and both batters keep the scoreboard ticking with well-placed singles, showing excellent understanding and composure. After 24 overs, India are 140/1.

Luus stays on. Shafali drives for two, follows it up with a single. The strike rotation between her and Jemimah has been excellent - calm, calculated, and effective. And now Shafali breaks free-lofts one over long on for six! Eleven off the over - after 25 overs, India are 151/1.

Khaka returns to the attack. Shafali starts with a single to bring Jemimah on strike. Jemimah defends solidly before Khaka oversteps - no-ball called! Missed a free hit but then Shafali punishes the last ball with a boundary to end the over. Seven runs from it - after 26 overs, India are 158/1.

18:25

Shafali survives dropped catch

India 129-1 (22 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Luus continues. Shafali skies one- straight up- but Bosch puts down a sitter! A huge reprieve for India as Shafali survives and picks up a single. Jemimah steadies things, defends a couple, then drives beautifully for a boundary. She follows it up with a single to long on. Shafali adds another run to deep point, and a single finishes the over. Eight off it - after 21 overs, India are 122/1.

Tryon continues from the other end. Jemimah rotates strike with a single to the leg side. Shafali responds in style, cracking a boundary through the off side and adding another single right after. She sees off the last two deliveries confidently. Seven runs from the over - after 22 overs, India are 129/1.

18:24

Smriti falls but Shafali slams 50

India 114-1 (20 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Sune Luus continues, and both Jemimah and Shafali work the ball around for singles - a steady over for India. Five runs come off it, and after 19 overs, India are 111/1.

Chloe Tryon continues from the other end. Shafali guides one past the keeper for a couple, then pushes down the ground for a single. South Africa are tightening things up now as Jemimah defends the rest of the over. Just three runs off it. After 20 overs, India are 114/1.

18:15

Smriti falls but Shafali slams 50

India 106-1 (18 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

The crowd erupt once more as hometown favourite Jemimah Rodrigues walks in. She's off the mark right away with a single.

Moments later, Shafali brings up her fifty off 49 balls- her first in the format in three years, and what a stage to do it on - a World Cup final!

Nine runs and a wicket from the over. After 18 overs, India are 106/1.

18:11

Smriti departs for 45

India 104-1 (17.4 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Sune Luus comes into the attack, with Shafali on strike. She keeps the first one down- no run. Picks up a single as de Klerk does well in the field. Smriti cuts to point but can't pierce the gap. Clever batting from Smriti next ball- uses the field beautifully to find the boundary, and the crowd roars. A dot to finish the over.

Five runs off it. After 17 overs, India are 97/0.

Chloe Tryon replaces her, and Shafali moves to 49 off 48 balls with a single. Smriti follows up with a boundary to bring up India's 100 amid loud cheers.

But just as the momentum builds -edge and gone! Tryon strikes to break the opening stand. The crowd falls silent as Smriti departs for 45 off 58 balls.

18:03

Shafali, Smriti dominate South Africa

India 92-0 (16 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Mlaba continues. Shafali steps down the track and eases it to long-off for a single. Smriti defends a couple of deliveries before picking up another single.

Shafali cuts one back to the bowler and finishes the over with a single.

Just three runs off it - a tidy over from Mlaba.

After 16 overs, India are 92/0. Time for a drinks break - a solid, composed start from the openers in the final.

18:00

Shafali, Smriti dominate South Africa

India 89-0 (15 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

De Klerk continues. Shafali finds the gap and picks up a couple, then nudges one to cover for a single. Two more singles follow as India keep the scoreboard ticking. Four runs from the over - India 71/0 after 13.

Mlaba continues. Shafali defends solidly before Annerie Dercksen sprints to save two runs with some sharp fielding - excellent effort in the deep. A wide down the leg side adds one more, and Smriti finishes the over with a crisp boundary followed by a single. Nine from it -India 80/0 after 14.

De Klerk back again. Smriti starts with a single to cover. Shafali then goes big - first six of the final! She follows it up with a single to long-off, while a wide adds another run. A dot to end the over. Nine off it again - after 15 overs, India are cruising at 89/0.

Shafali is on 45 off 42 balls, while Smriti is steady on 34 from 48 - a composed, confident start for India in the Women's World Cup final.

17:55

Smriti anchors India's strong start

India 66-0 (12 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Another change in bowling as Nadine de Klerk comes into the attack. Shafali starts with a dot to mid-on before taking a single towards backward point. Smriti then pierces the off side for a boundary - she's looking increasingly confident in the final. The rest of the over is tidy. Five runs from it - India are 63/0 after 9 overs.

Mlaba continues and keeps things tight, conceding just a single. Smriti plays her cautiously, mindful that Mlaba had dismissed her the last time these two sides met. India steady at 64/0 after 10 overs.

De Klerk continues - Shafali is more watchful now, managing just a single to sweeper cover. Smriti defends the last few deliveries as runs dry up.

Mlaba follows up with another economical over, giving away just a single. After 12 overs, India are 66/0 -a steady but quiet phase for the openers.

17:36

50 comes up for India

India 58-0 (8 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Kapp continues. Smriti and Shafali rotate strike with a single each before Smriti finds the gap for a boundary to bring up India's 50. She plays out the rest of the over with composure. Six runs from it - India steady at 51/0 after 7 overs.

Bowling change now - South Africa turn to spin as Mlaba comes into the attack. Shafali greets her in trademark fashion with a cracking boundary. She jabs the next to mid-off for none, then collects a single to long-on. Smriti and Shafali run a quick two as Wolvaardt chases and dives brilliantly near the ropes. Smriti defends the last two balls. Seven runs from the over - India move to 58/0 after 8 overs.

17:28

hafali, Smriti unleash flurry of boundaries

India 45-0 (6 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Kapp continues. Smriti drives towards extra cover for a single. Shafali responds in style - cracks a boundary and follows it up with another! She defends the rest of the over smartly. 9 runs from it - India 31/0 after 5 overs.

Khaka continues. Smriti starts with a solid defence, then unleashes back-to-back boundaries of her own. She nudges one to sweeper cover for a single. A wide delivery races away to the boundary - bonus runs for India. Shafali continues to play on the edge, taking bold risks that make her so dangerous. A dot to end the over. 14 runs off it - India cruising at 45/0 after 6 overs.

17:21

India off to a steady start

India 22-0 (4 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

Kapp continues. Shafali drives for a single to start the over. Smriti plays one towards cover -no run. A delivery strays down leg, and it's called wide. Smriti defends a couple before finding the gap and driving a boundary -a confidence booster for her. A dot ball to finish the over. A steady start for India - 7 runs off it. India are 17 for no loss after 3 overs.

Khaka continues from the other end. Shafali begins with a cracking boundary - she looks full of confidence. Follows it up with a couple, then clips one to deep square leg for a single. Smriti pushes to point for one more. Another wide down leg, before a dot to finish. 9 runs from the over - India 22/0 after 4.

17:09

India start cautiously

India 7-0 (2 Ovs) vs SA | SCORECARD

The players walk out for the national anthems, South Africa's first, followed by India's.

After a two-hour delay, the rain has finally relented, and we should be in for an uninterrupted contest now. It's time for cricket! Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma stride out to open for India. This is South Africa's first-ever Women's World Cup final and their first game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Marizanne Kapp takes the new ball. Mandhana pushes the first one to cover, then jabs towards point - no run. Solid in defense again. A tidy start with maiden over from Kapp.

Ayabonga Khaka runs in from the other end and Shafali on strike, and she slams a boundary! The first of the World Cup final. A shout for leg-before as the next one hits Shafalis pad, but they sneak a leg-bye. Mandhana gets off the mark with a single. Shafali punches to point, no run, and picks up another single later in the over. Smriti defends the last ball solidly. Seven runs from the over - India are 7 for no loss after two.

16:38

SA win toss, opt to field vs India

Both teams go into the final unchanged.

SA skipper Laura Wolvaardt said, 'We're going to bowl first. There's been some rain around, and we're expecting a bit of dew later. It's a big game for us, and we're really excited to play in front of this crowd.'

Harmanpreet Kaur said, 'We were also looking to bowl considering the overhead conditions. We'll look to bat well and post a strong total. We're going in with the same XI as well.'

16:36

Here are the playing XIs

India XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh

South Africa XI: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

16:33

SA win toss, opt to field vs India

It's time for the toss!

Harmanpreet Kaur and Laura Wolvaardt are out in the middle. South Africa Women have won the toss and elected to field first.

16:26

Toss at 4:30 PM, play to begin at 5

The umpires have inspected the conditions and spoken to both captains.

Toss at 4:30 PM, play to begin at 5 PM - weather permitting.

No overs lost so far, but a delayed start beyond 5 PM will mean reduced overs. Most of the covers are off, and the outfield is being readied.

16:08

Covers come off as skies begin to clear

Loud cheers ring around the ground! The covers are coming off. The rain has stopped, it's getting brighter, and the ground-staff are hard at work with the super sopper in action.

Plenty of movement around the covers as the cleanup begins.

15:35

Rain returns, start delayed again

It's started drizzling again, and the covers are back on. Puddles have begun to form on the outfield, which means even after the rain stops, the cleanup will take a while.

The wait goes on, with overs set to be reduced after 5 PM.

14:58

Rain delays start of India-SA title clash

Not so encouraging news from Navi Mumbai as rain is set to further delay the start of the Women's World Cup ODI final between India and South Africa.

The umpires have walked out to inspect the conditions as rain continues to lash the D Y Patil Stadium.

The toss is likely to be delayed further with the weather showing no signs of improvement.

14:31

Rain delays start; Match to start at 3.30pm IST

The start of the Women's ODI World Cup final between India and South Africa at the D Y Patil Stadium has been delayed due to wet outfield.

The umpires have announced that the toss will take place at 3pm IST with the match scheduled to begin at 3.30pm IST.

14:23

Fancied India face resilient SA in title clash

Welcome to the coverage of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup Final between India and South Africa at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Indian women's cricket stands on the brink of a watershed moment, reminiscent of the men's historic 1983 triumph, with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side determined to end their ICC trophy drought when they face a formidable South Africa in the title clash.

The 13th edition of the World Cup is guaranteed to crown a new champion -- between third-time finalists India and first-time finalists South Africa -- both riding on the back of remarkable campaigns.

A title triumph could trigger an unprecedented surge of interest in women's cricket in India, inspiring a new generation of young girls to take up the sport, perhaps even more than the advent of the Women's Premier League did three seasons ago.

But the hosts will need to quickly move past their emotionally draining semi-final win at the same venue three nights ago, one that might have already earned them the "favourites" tag.

Jemimah Rodrigues' unforgettable 127 not out and Harmanpreet's gritty 89, coupled with an uncharacteristically erratic outing from seven-time champions Australia, carried India into yet another summit clash -- a stage where heartbreak has struck far too often.

India's nine-run loss to England in the 2017 ODI World Cup final still lingers painfully for those who were part of that campaign, including Harmanpreet. It was followed by a narrow five-run defeat to Australia in the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final and another gut-wrenching loss to the same opponents in the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal match.

For India, the battle is no longer about proving skill or form, but about crossing the elusive final hurdle that has so often tripped them -- including in this very tournament.

On a flat DY Patil Stadium surface, known for its high scores and evening dew, another run-fest could be on the cards, testing India's fielding and bowling discipline.

South Africa, meanwhile, will not mind the "underdog" tag. They've shown remarkable resilience through the tournament -- from being bowled out for 69 against England in Guwahati to later thrashing the same opponent at the same venue, and recovering from a 97 all-out against Australia in Indore.

Veteran Marizanne Kapp (204 runs, 12 wickets), Nadine de Klerk (190 runs, 8 wickets), Tazmin Brits (212 runs), Chloe Tryon (167 runs, 5 wickets) and skipper Laura Wolvaardt (470 runs) have all delivered telling performances.

Women's WC FINAL: India drops 2 catches in 2 balls

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