High drama again as Proteas snatch another last-ball win

Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave India a great platform and for once the Proteas couldn’t find early wickets.

Mandhana was involved in crucial partnerships with Verma and skipper Mithali Raj who joined the openers in stroking fifties.

For all that the total was it could have been more as some great death bowling from Shabnim Ismail inhibited India’s efforts.

In response, the Proteas were once again aided by the sublime form of Laura Wolvaardt.

Wolvaardt’s 80 took her to the head of the Women’s World Cup runscorers and set up a successful run chase.

However, this Proteas team isn’t all about individuals and they pulled together in the chase after Wolvaardt departed.

With the run rate climbing it would be Mignon du Preez who stepped up for the Proteas.

Du Preez held her nerve, not panicking as she lost partners at the back end and eventually hit the winning runs off the final ball.

She thought she had holed out in the final over only to be called back as the bowler overstepped.

Divine providence

Du Preez said afterwards: “Thanks, guys, and to God who even game me a no-ball (laughs). He’s definitely on my side. I’ve been very fortunate, the girls have supported me throughout even though I didn’t start well with the bat, but to be able to do it for us today was special. The plan was to take it deep, we still had time and felt it would get easier. Kapp and I focused on taking it deep as Chloe was also slated to come in. It means the world, it’s been a tough few weeks when I haven’t contributed the way I liked but to do it when it matters and take the momentum to the semi final, I’d take that every day of the week. Thanks to all the fans, couldn’t have done it without your support.”

The defeat means India are eliminated from the Women’s World Cup.

Meanwhile the Proteas go into the semi-finals having suffered just one defeat in the round-robin stage.