Laura Wolvaardt's Century Powers South Africa in Women's World Cup Final
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt scored a century in the Women's World Cup final against India, her second of the tournament, as the Proteas chased India's 298/6. Despite Wolvaardt's brilliance, India won by 52 runs, claiming their maiden ODI World Cup title.
In the Women's World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, South Africa's captain Laura Wolvaardt slammed her second century of the tournament, reaching the milestone in 96 deliveries with 11 fours and a six. Her innings gave South Africa hope as wickets fell around her, but India's strong total of 298/6, powered by Shafali Verma's 87 and Deepti Sharma's composed half-century, proved too much. Shafali Verma also took two crucial wickets, reducing South Africa to 123/4, while Deepti Sharma removed Sinalo Jafta. Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen were at the crease with South Africa needing 149 off 20 overs. Earlier, India's opening pair, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, added 104 runs before Mandhana fell for 45. South Africa's Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba restricted India's scoring in the middle overs. Ultimately, India won by 52 runs, securing their first ODI World Cup title.
