Overview: India aim to defend 252 against a tough SA chase
In a pulsating Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Vizag, India Women posted 252 all out, anchored by a resilient 94 from Richa Ghosh and a crucial late partnership with Sneh Rana. South Africa Women, led by Laura Wolvaardt, started their chase with early wickets but remained in the hunt for most of the chase, before India’s bowlers hit back with timely strikes. The match showcased nerves, grit, and a late surge of color for a packed stadium and global viewers alike.
India’s innings: a rescue act from the lower order
India began with Smriti Mandhana showing intent and Pratika Rawal steadying the ship, but Maliable spells and disciplined bowling from South Africa pegged India back. Mandhana was dismissed for 23, and when Shafali? (note: this is a live recap; the actual scorecard shows Mandhana in good touch but early wicket). The scoreboard swayed as India slipped to 102/6, prompting Harmanpreet Kaur to come in with the lower order in a bid to resurrect the innings.
Deepti Sharma’s departure at 5:58 pm IST signaled the collapse continued, but the rescue act began soon after. Deepti’s dismissal sparked a review that didn’t go India’s way, leaving the innings under pressure. Yet the fightback came from two players who love a last-ditch stand: Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana. Rana’s left-arm bowling opened doors with the ball, and Ghosh found the boundary ropes with authority, forging a 78-run stand in 48 balls that changed the complexion of the innings.
Lower-order fireworks: Ghosh’s record-breaking stand
Richa Ghosh’s 94 off 77 balls, featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes, was the cornerstone of India’s late push and, at the time, the highest score by a number-eight batter in Women’s ODI World Cup history. Her fearless hitting, paired with Rana’s measured strokes, propelled India beyond 200 and close to the 250-mark. The late surge demonstrated India’s depth and the resilience of a unit that hadn’t clicked in the earlier stages of the innings.
South Africa’s reply: a probing start with angles for India
South Africa opened with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, and the chase began with a measured approach. India struck early—Brits fell for 0 to a stunning catch by Kranti Gaud, and the in-form Sune Luus followed soon after with a potential LBW decision that was turned into a second life thanks to a spike on the UltraEdge. South Africa reached 18/2 before gradually building partnerships, but India’s spin-heavy attack slowly tightened the grip.
The crucial breakthroughs
Deepti Sharma removed Anneke Bosch for 1, breaking the opening stand, and Sneh Rana’s control over the spin yielded a pivotal breakthrough: Marizanne Kapp was dismissed for 20, nudging SA to 57/3 at one stage. The fielding brilliance came alive as India looked to push SA onto the back foot. A notable moment was a sharp catch by Pratika Rawal and a dramatic dropped chance by Gaud that kept SA in the hunt for a while longer.
Turning points and game dynamics
A big turning point occurred when Shankar Narayan highlighted a string of impactful overs from Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, as Harmanpreet Kaur turned to her trusted bowlers to strangle the chase. With South Africa at 57/3 and conditions favoring the bowlers, India aimed to press home the advantage during the middle overs. The match remained in the balance into the later stages, with the outcome hinging on the bowlers’ ability to execute under pressure and the guile of the spinners who could disrupt a measured SA innings.
What this means going forward
India’s performance underscored the importance of resilience at the back end of the innings and the strength of player depth. Richa Ghosh’s 94 showcased how a late-order partnership can tilt a match. For South Africa, the chase will be remembered for early stability followed by pressure from India’s spin unit that stymied what could have been a smoother pursuit. As the Women’s World Cup 2025 progresses, both sides will take lessons from Vizag into their next fixtures.
Bottom line
India posted a defendable 252 in challenging batting conditions. South Africa’s chase remained intriguing, with key breakthroughs keeping India in the contest as the game moved deeper into the evening. Fans will be keen to see how both teams adapt in the remaining group-stage games of the Women’s World Cup 2025.
