1 Shafali-Smriti’s super start: Having lost the toss, the pressure on India was palpable in the home final. Getting off to a solid start was vital, and that’s precisely what Shafali Verma (87 off 78 balls) and Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58 balls) did. The duo racked up a crucial 104-run stand to give India the perfect platform for a big total.
Richa Ghosh unfurls a shot during the final vs SA. Pic/PTI
2 Ghosh gives impetus: Just as she did in the semi-final against New Zealand, India’s wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh powered the team to a strong total of 298-7 with her quick-fire cameo of 34 runs from 24 balls. Her explosive knock included three fours and two sixes, and her strike rate of 142 was the best in the match across both sides.
Amanjot Kaur prepares to run out Tazmin Brits in the final in Sunday. Pic/Getty Images
3 Amanjot hits bullseye: Chasing a stiff target, South Africa displayed ample of defiance early and put the home side under pressure thanks to the 51-run opening stand between Laura Wolvaardt (101 off 98 balls) and Tazmin Brits (23 off 35 balls). Just when India’s nerves were beginning to fray, Amanjot Kaur came to the rescue in the 10th over. With just a stump-and-a-half to aim at, Amanjot hit the target to dismiss Brits.
Shafali Verma celebrates the wicket of Sune Luus. Pic/PTI
4 Shafali’s golden arm: No one saw this coming, perhaps not even Shafali. When skipper Harmanpreet threw her the ball in the 21st over, the Proteas had strung up a 52-run stand, courtesy of Wolvaardt and Sune Luus (25 off 31 balls). But just when the visitors had managed to get a foothold in the game, Shafali produced the breakthrough by deceiving Luus with a slower delivery that she chipped straight back to the bowler. As if that wasn’t enough, in her next over Shafali got rid of Marizanne Kapp (4 off 5 balls) too, ending with figures of 2-36 in seven overs.
Team India celebrate Amanjot’s catch to dismiss SA’s Laura Wolvaardt. Pic/Atul Kamble
5 Amanjot’s hangs on: While the visitors kept losing wickets at one end, Wolvaardt held fort at the other, keeping her side in the game. So when she heaved the ball to deep mid-wicket in the 42nd over, the whole nation held its collective breath as Amanjot settled under it. The next second seemed to last a lifetime as the ball bobbled out of her hands. Ultimately, she managed to cling on with a one-handed grasp, to ensure SA were all but sunk.