South Africa post challenging 245-run target for India in the final of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2017

Powerful batting from South African Women took the side to 244 at the end of their innings as they faced India in the final match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2017.

Powerful batting from South Africa Women took the side to 244 at the end of their innings as they faced India in the final match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2017. India, who have been unbeaten throughout the tournament (in both group stage and Super Sixes), are up against South Africa, who were at No. 2 in the points table. They now face a daunting task to chase the big total down and to add to their woes is the absence of their best batsman and regular skipper Mithali Raj. Through this tournament, both the finalists have qualified for the World Cup which will be played later this year, along with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They will be joined by England, Australia, New Zealand and West Indies in the tournament. LIVE CRICKET UPDATES: India vs South Africa, final, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2017

South Africa elected to bat and got off to a powerful start with both openers Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt scoring freely. India, who were playing under stand-in skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, picked only one pacer in Shikha Pandey. The decision came as a surprise as young Mansi Joshi had done extremely well in the previous few games. Spinner Ekta Bisht was introduced from the other end while there was hardly any turn on the track. This, in turn, affected the rhythm and India were hammered in the initial overs. Lizelle provided the South African girls the apt platform with a whirlwind 37 off 31, smacking 3 sixes and 3 fours. Her partner Laura, who has been brilliant in the tournament also showed good footwork. Another big partnership was formed between Mignon du Preez and skipper Dane van Niekerk. Du Preez added 40 runs while the skipper scored a crucial 37.

A smart knock came from all-rounder Sune Luus who took every opportunity and batted smartly at the end. She was quick between the wickets and was well supported by partner Marizanne Kapp. She was the last wicket to fall after she was run out for 35. She played well with the tail to ensure South Africa batted their full quota. In the end, they fell two balls short.

India’s fielding remained very clumsy. Dropped chances, missed run out opportunities – all went in favour of South Africa to post a challenging score.

Among the Indian bowlers, Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the most successful with 3 wickets. Shikha bagged two while Ekta, Poonam Yadav and Deepti Sharma all got one each. However, Indian bowlers remained expensive, giving away too many runs in the process.

For India, the target will not at all be easy to achieve as their No. 1 player and captain Raj is warming the bench due to a hamstring injury.

Brief scores:

South Africa Women 244 in 49.4 overs (Lizelle Lee 37, Mignon du Preez 40, Dane van Niekerk 37, Sune Luus 35*; Shikha Pandey 2 for 41, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 3 for 51) against India Women.

• 
• 
•