Recalled to India’s ICC World Cup squad as an injury replacement in the knockouts stage, opener Shafali Varma dazzled with a classy half century, and more importantly set the tone for a strong total with a century partnership with fellow opener Smriti Mandhana in the grand finale against South Africa at the DY Patil Cricket Academy in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
After 25 overs, Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues, the hero of the semifinal against Australia, propelled India to 151/1.
The jam-packed stadium was rewarded for its patience after a rain-delayed start to the proceedings with a stunning exhibition of batting from India’s opening pair of Smriti and Shafali, who launched the innings in style and set the tone for the hosts. The right-left duo frustrated the South African bowlers, and went on to raise 104 runs inside the first 18 overs to lay the platform for a massive total.
The 21-year-old Shafali started the onslaught on the Proteas before Smriti matched her shot-for-shot as India raced to their first 50 in mere six overs, before the introduction of the spinners slowed the scoring rate.
Shafali Verma brings up her half-century off 49 balls as India post 114/1 in 20 overs against South Africa in the final at DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.#INDvsSA #WomensWorldCup2025 #INDvsSAFinals #TheStatesman pic.x.com/HKHp4c7XKN
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With both the openers going strong, a desperate South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt brought in her left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon to break the partnership. Tryon struck on the fourth delivery with the wicket of Mandhana (45 off 58 balls), who departed after softy nicking behind, leaving the stadium resemble a library.
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But within minutes, the crowd raised the decibel levels welcoming Jemimah to the middle, and with Shafali nearing her fifty, there was more in store. Shafali eventually ended the run-drought in 50-overs cricket, getting to a 49-ball 50, her fifth in ODIs and first since July 2022.
However, right after getting to her half century, Shafali received a reprieve on 57 when she was dropped by Anneke Bosch off Sune Luss in the 21st over of the innings.
Earlier, two hours after its scheduled start time, the title clash finally got underway, with South Africa choosing to bowl first. The decision was influenced by the likelihood of evening dew and the possibility of chasing a revised target if rain returned.
Persistent showers had delayed the start to the final point at which a full 50-over contest was still possible. Any further stoppages would have resulted in overs being reduced, even though a reserve day is available. Both sides went in with unchanged line-ups.