South Africa Women fall short in World Cup final despite Laura Wolvaardt heroics

Wolvaardt won the toss and put India in to bat, saying the pitch at the DY Patil Stadium was traditionally good for chasing.

India's women got off to a strong start with an opening stand of 104 before Smriti Mandhana was caught behind off the bowling of Chloe Tyron for 45.

Her fellow opener, Shafali Verma, hit a lovely 87 before becoming the second wicket with India on 166/2.

All the batters got starts with the other standout in the lineup Deepti Sharma making 58 off 58 balls as India set an imposing total of 298/7 off their 50 overs.

On the bowling front, Ayabonga Khaka was the star of the show, albeit being a bit expensive, returning figures of 3/58 from her nine overs.

Nonkululeko Mlaba kept things tight in her 10 overs, finishing with figures of 1/47. Nadine de Klerk was the other bowler to pick up a wicket and there was one run out.

South Africa's response got off to a strong start, with them reaching 50 before losing a wicket.

However, Tazmin Brits was run out for 23 shortly after the milestone with South Africa at 51/1 and they began to lose wickets at consistent intervals ,which hampered their momentum.

Wolvaardt was the rock of the innings with a beautifully played 101 off 98 balls. Sune Luus (25) and Annerie Dercksen (35) also chipped in but India's bowlers were just too good on the day.

Deepti Sharma was the undoubted star, with figures of 5/39 off 9.3 overs, while Shafali Verma was also impressive with 2/36 off seven overs. Shree Charani picked up the other wicket along with two run outs.