I did not see this coming – a South Africa-India final in the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
After South Africa booked their spot with a ruthless win over England in their semi-final on Wednesday, I was almost certain that it would be Australia they would be facing in the final.
Then after Australia posted 338 batting first against hosts India on Thursday, I was even more convinced it would be the ladies in yellow.
In their reply though, hosts India produced something magical – the highest-ever successful chase in Women’s Cricket World Cup history.
South Africa’s Remarkable Turnaround: From Being Bowled Out for 69 to a 125-Run Victory Over England
This is the same Australia team that bowled South Africa out for 97 less than a week ago. That would have definitely been a factor had the two sides faced off again in the final.
Of course, the Proteas women produced a performance for the ages too in their semi-final against England. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt scored 169 and Marizanne Kapp took 5/20 to go with her knock of 42 as South Africa romped to a 125-run win.
It was a massive turnaround for South Africa who were bowled out for 69 by England 26 days prior in their opening match of the tournament.
The gap between the two matches against England would have been crucial for South Africa though, as they also collected five wins in the interim to book their last four spot.
Proteas’ Confidence Boost: Facing India After Group Stage Victory
Against Australia in a final though, I feel the time between the matches would have been too short to erase any mental scarring. I’m not saying this Proteas side couldn’t have beaten Australia in the final, but there would be a number of good reasons that they’d start the match on the backfoot.
Now, against India – South Africa will be taking on the hosts who will be feeling the pressure to perform in front of their home crowd to win this trophy for the first time.
Add in that South Africa pulled off an impressive win over India in the group stages in an exciting chase of 252 to win, and there’s every reason to believe that this Proteas side will be licking their lips for the final on Sunday.
@Michael_Sherman
Sport
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