Chasing 275, the match went down to the wire, where the Proteas eventually won the match on the final delivery. Laura Wolvaardt (80), Mignon du Preez (52 not out) and Lara Goodall (49) contributed with memorable knocks to take their side over the finish line.
Earlier, Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana and skipper Mithali Raj smashed half-centuries to help India reach a competitive 274/7 at the Hagley Oval on Sunday.
Shafali (53 off 46) and Smriti (71 off 84) formed a dominating 91-run stand off 90 balls for the opening wicket, giving India a flying start. Captain Mithali (68 off 84) and Harmanpreet Kaur (48 off 57 balls) chipped in with some valuable contributions towards the end of the innings.
“We’re extremely happy, also for du Preez, for getting a fifty. She has worked hard for it after struggling early- this is how the semis is going to be (in terms of a contest), the preparation for the same couldn’t have been any better. Coming into a D/N game, the experience should be good for the team. I am very happy for her (on Lara Goodall), the way she supported Laura (Wolvaardt), all this will keep us good coming into the semis. I think the South Africans can be very proud of us, the way we played, the calm and the trust – it’s something we can be thrilled about,” said South Africa captain Sune Luus after the match.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Absolutely heartbroken for ?? Final World Cup hurrah for Raj and Goswami who have been incredible stalwarts. Bigto Deepti – takes a lot of courage to bowl the final over and nearly got them there. ?? have just been too good under pressure #CWC22
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) March 27, 2022
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