Richa Ghosh’s outstanding 94 runs off 77 balls was not enough to secure a victory for India as South Africa clinched a three-wicket win in their Women’s World Cup match on Thursday. South Africa, chasing a target of 252, was supported by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s 70 and Chloe Tryon’s 49, with Nadine de Klerk finishing unbeaten on 84, which included five sixes and eight fours from 54 deliveries. They achieved 252/7 in 48.5 overs. Earlier, Ghosh’s vibrant innings came after India faced another top-order collapse, leading them to a total of 251 all out in 49.5 overs. Her performance, featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes, highlighted her ability to capitalize on a relatively easy-paced pitch, marking her seventh ODI fifty.
The ACA-VDCA Stadium pitch was arguably the best of the three locations India has played in, including Guwahati and Colombo, yet they failed to fully utilize it after being sent in to bat. The innings started positively with openers Pratika Rawal (37) and Smriti Mandhana (23) contributing 55 runs in 10.2 overs. Rawal showcased some elegant stroke play, notably a flowing cover drive off pacer Marizanne Kapp. However, Mandhana struggled for comfort, attempting to regain momentum with a towering six off Ayabonga Khaka before falling to left-arm spinner Noku Mlaba.
Brief scores: India 251/10 in 49.5 overs (Richa Ghosh 94, Pratika Rawal 37, Sneh Rana 33; Chloe Tryon 3-32, Marizanne Kapp 2-45, Nadine de Klerk 2-52) lost to South Africa 252/7 in 48.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 70, Chloe Tryon 49, Nadine de Klerk 84 not out; Kranti Gaud 2-59, Sneh Rana 2-47) by 3 wickets.