NAVI MUMBAI: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said her team&#39;s breakthrough Women&#39;s World Cup triumph on Sunday was &quot;just the beginning&quot; as they beat South Africa by 52 runs to win the tournament for the first time. Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma starred with both bat and ball to propel India to the title in front of a jubilant home crowd at Mumbai&#39;s DY Patil Stadium. Hosts India posted 298-7 and then bowled South Africa out for 246 in 45.3 overs with spinner Sharma taking five wickets after earlier contributing a vital run-a-ball 58 in the middle order. Opener Verma top-scored with 87 as India posted a challenging total after they were put in to bat in a final delayed two hours by rain. South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt hit a valiant 101, but her departure off Sharma raised the noise at the 45,000-capacity stadium, which had turned into a sea of blue. Sharma took down Nadine de Klerk, for 18, for the final wicket as India celebrated with the thousands of supporters inside the ground and millions outside in the cricket-mad nation. &quot;We wanted to break this barrier,&quot; Kaur said. &quot;And our next plan is to make this a habit. We were waiting for it, now this moment has come. So many big occasions are coming, and we want to keep improving. This is not the end, just the beginning.&quot; The Indian women triumphed at the third attempt after finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017. India toiled in the league phase and suffered three successive defeats, but clinched the last semi-final spot before knocking out record seven-time champions and heavy favourites Australia. For South Africa, it was a third straight loss in a World Cup final after they finished runners-up in back-to-back editions of the T20 showpiece in 2023 and 2024. South Africa made their first ODI World Cup final despite starting the competition with a 10-wicket thrashing by England after being bundled out for 69. Verma&#39;s golden arm&nbsp;The Proteas had their revenge when they beat England in the semi-final, with Wolvaardt scoring 169. &quot;I could not be prouder of this team for the campaign we had,&quot; said Wolvaardt, who led the tournament batting charts with 571 runs at an average of over 71. &quot;Brilliant cricket throughout, but outplayed today (by India). Unfortunate to be on the losing side, but we will definitely grow from this.&quot; Sharma struck key blows with her off-spin in the final, including the wicket of Annerie Dercksen, who hit 35 in a 61-run partnership with Wolvaardt that gave South Africa hope. But it was Sharma&#39;s double-wicket over to dismiss Wolvaardt and then Chloe Tryon, for nine, that took India to the brink of victory. Kaur&#39;s ploy of giving the ball to Verma, a part-time off-spinner, in the 20th over proved key as the youngster removed Sune Luus. Verma dislodged Marizanne Kapp in the next over to plunge South Africa into deeper trouble, but Wolvaardt kept South Africa in the game until her departure in the 42nd over. Kaur said the decision to hand Verma, who was named player of the match, the ball proved to be the &quot;turning point&quot; of the game. Verma, who was brought into the team for the semi-final after fellow opener Pratika Rawal went down injured, gave India a fast start with the bat. She put on 104 runs with Smriti Mandhana (45) to lay solid foundations at a venue that has produced big runs, including India&#39;s record chase of 339 in the semi-final against Australia. Sharma then added valuable runs with her 18th ODI fifty to crank up the pressure on South Africa despite three wickets for Ayabonga Khaka. Sharma took a tournament-best 22 wickets, also chipping in with 215 runs as a batter, and was named the best player of the World Cup.

Cricket

Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma star with both bat and ball to propel India to the title in front of a jubilant home crowd at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium.



India lift first Women's World Cup

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, who powered India into the final of the Women&rsquo;s World Cup with a stunning unbeaten century against seven-time champions Australia, has become the latest target of online hate from Hindu right-wing accounts after publicly thanking Prophet Jesus in her post-match remarks. The 25-year-old batter, who was named Player of the Match, said in the presentation ceremony that she &ldquo;wanted to thank Jesus&rdquo; and &ldquo;could not do this on my own,&rdquo; describing how her faith helped her through anxiety and setbacks. &ldquo;Towards the end, I was just quoting a scripture from the Bible &mdash; to just stand still and that God will fight for me,&rdquo; she said. Her comments, however, triggered a wave of abuse from extremist social media users, who accused her of promoting Christianity and engaging in religious conversion, claims that have never been substantiated. Several right-wing accounts revived old videos of Rodrigues attending church events with her father, Ivan Rodrigues, who is reportedly involved in community outreach. Twitter user @Anshulspiritual wrote, &ldquo;I still stand by what I said. Jemimah Rodrigues used cricket as a tool for mass conversion. Show me one Indian who did such drama for religious conversion.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1984214679091302681&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=a4c48a7afdc9bb96e2b40ae5282ef97a063e419f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 1631px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Another account, @Tushar_KN, said, &ldquo;Just a few cricket match wins and this country forgets cricketers doing shady things,&rdquo; while @cric05949840 mocked Rodrigues as &ldquo;Pakistan ka Muhammad Rizwan ki sasti copy,&rdquo; adding that Hindu players never invoked &ldquo;Bhagwan or Bhagavad Gita&rdquo; after victories.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1984221824994119886&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=a4c48a7afdc9bb96e2b40ae5282ef97a063e419f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 921px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>User @imarpitmi alleged that Rodrigues&rsquo;s father had been &ldquo;actively involved in Christian missionary work using Khar Gymkhana premises,&rdquo; while @PanipatIV claimed, &ldquo;Jemimah Rodrigues has made clear she&rsquo;s first and foremost an evangelist and cynically using cricket to entice Hindus to convert to Christianity.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1984236095127871732&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=a4c48a7afdc9bb96e2b40ae5282ef97a063e419f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>User @Ashutosh1274 shared an old video of Rodrigues at a Christian gathering, alleging she was &ldquo;mimicking spiritual possession,&rdquo; captioning it with the slur &ldquo;rice bag par convert hue log.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-4" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-4&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1984115439216300281&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=a4c48a7afdc9bb96e2b40ae5282ef97a063e419f&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 650px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>The vitriol underlines a rising trend of religious intolerance on Indian social media, where expressions of Christian or Muslim faith by public figures often draw targeted harassment from nationalist users. Despite the online abuse, many fans and journalists have defended Rodrigues, praising her resilience and humility. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s shameful that a player who just took India to the World Cup final is being attacked for her beliefs,&rdquo; one supporter posted. Neither Rodrigues nor the Indian cricket board has commented publicly on the trolling.

Right-wing accounts revived old videos of Rodrigues attending church events with her father, Ivan Rodrigues, who is reportedly involved in community outreach.

Rodrigues faces online abuse after dedicating match-winning knock to Prophet Jesus

GUWAHATI: South Africa thrashed England by 125 runs on Wednesday to reach their first-ever ODI Women&#39;s World Cup final.&nbsp;Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a majestic 169 to help South Africa thrash England by 125 runs and reach their first-ever ODI Women&#39;s World Cup final on Wednesday.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">South Africa posted 319-7 and then bowled out England for 194 in 42.3 overs with medium-pace bowler Marizanne Kapp returning figures of 5-20 in the first semi-final in Guwahati.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The Proteas now await the winner of the second semi-final between holders Australia and India for the title clash on Sunday in the outskirts of Mumbai.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">South Africa made their third straight final of a women&#39;s World Cup -- two in T20 tournaments -- and their first in the 50-over marquee competition.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">They were beaten by England in the semi-finals of the last two ODI World Cups in 2017 and 2022.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Nadine de Klerk dismissed Linsey Smith for 27 as the last wicket to trigger celebrations in the South African camp.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">&quot;It still feels a bit unreal,&quot; said player of the match Wolvaardt.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">&quot;I think that&#39;s the sort of the thing that you dream about as a kid is scoring 100 in a World Cup, knockout game as well. Very special day and I&#39;m so glad we won in the end.&quot;<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Wolvaardt set up victory with her first World Cup century as she lay the foundations of the mammoth total in a 116-run stand with fellow opener Tazmin Brits, who made 45.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Wolvaardt reached her 10th ODI ton and then switched gears to take the attack to the opposition in the final few overs, ending with 20 fours and four sixes in her 143-ball knock.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">She reached the top of the tournament batting chart with 470 runs including one hundred and three half-tons in eight matches.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Knapp attack The elegant batter started with a crisp cover drive off Lauren Bell for a four and the opening pair hit regular boundaries to put England on the back foot.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone dented South Africa&#39;s surge with two wickets in one over as she bowled Brits for 45 and three balls later sent back Anneke Bosch for a duck.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">England struck regular blows but Wolvaardt stood firm and put on key partnerships with Kapp, who hit 42, and then Chloe Tryon, who made an unbeaten 33.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Wolvaardt finally fell in the 48th over off Bell and walked back to a standing ovation and handshakes from the opposition players.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Ecclestone stood out with figures of 4-44 after she was cleared to play despite suffering a shoulder injury in the previous game.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">South Africa pace spearhead Kapp rattled England with two wickets in the first over as she bowled Amy Jones and Heather Knight -- both out for ducks.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Tammy Beaumont for a golden duck in the second over and despite a rearguard by skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey the England innings fell apart.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">&quot;An incredible two innings from South Africa,&quot; said Sciver-Brunt. &quot;We were not at our best today and to beat the best teams, you have to put a whole game together. Did not do that and hugely disappointed.&quot;<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Sciver-Brunt, who top-scored with 64, and Capsey, who made 50, put on 107 runs for the third wicket but after their departure the South African bowlers hit back.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1em 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: 2; letter-spacing: normal; font-weight: 400; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Kapp dismissed Sciver-Brunt and then got Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean caught behind to be on a hat-trick, which was avoided by Ecclestone.

Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a majestic 169 to help South Africa thrash England by 125 runs and reach their first-ever ODI Women's World Cup final on Wednesday.

South Africa crush England to reach Women's World Cup final

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and opted to bowl first against England in their Women&rsquo;s World Cup clash on Wednesday at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.&nbsp;With conditions overcast but dry, Pakistan chose to make first use of what is expected to be a spin-friendly surface.&nbsp;&ldquo;The pitch looks good, and the spinners will want to take advantage,&rdquo; Sana said at the toss. &ldquo;We want to bat longer, build partnerships &mdash; and most importantly, finish off games.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1978387983855182119&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=1c4509d698960f2dc0520e0d0c8cd2a568cbcaa2&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 704px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="1978387983855182119"></iframe></div></div>Pakistan made two changes to their XI, bringing back experienced campaigners Omaima Sohail at the top of the order and Aliya Riaz, who slots in at No. 4.&nbsp;England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, would have preferred to bowl first too, but now face the task of setting a target in unfamiliar Colombo conditions.&nbsp;Sciver-Brunt confirmed that Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone were ruled out due to illness, with Sarah Glenn and Em Arlott coming into the side. Despite the absences, England will rely on their bench strength to maintain balance.&nbsp;&quot;I try to start from the beginning, assess the conditions, and hopefully I can continue my form,&rdquo; said Sciver-Brunt, who remains a key figure with both bat and ball. Playing XIsPakistan: 1 Omaima Sohail, 2 Muneeba Ali, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Aliya Riaz 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Sidra Nawaz (wk), 7 Fatima Sana (capt), 8 Rameen Shamim, 9 Diana Baig, 10 Nashra Sandhu, 10 Sadia Iqbal&nbsp;England: 1 Tammy Beaumont, 2 Amy Jones (wk), 3 Heather Knight, 4 Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), 5 Sophia Dunkley, 6 Emma Lamb, 7 Alice Capsey, 8 Charlie Dean, 9 Sarah Glenn, 10 Linsey Smith, 11 Em Arlott

Pakistan vs England, Women's Cricket World Cup

Pakistan make two changes to their XI, bringing back experienced campaigners Omaima Sohail at the top of the order and Aliya Riaz, who slots in at No. 4

Women’s Cricket World Cup: Pakistan opt to bowl against England

ISLAMABAD: &nbsp;Sri Lanka and New Zealand shared points in their ICC Women&#39;s World Cup 2025 fixture after heavy rain washed out play following the innings break in Colombo on Tuesday. Sri Lanka had posted a strong 258-6 and looked confident with their spin-heavy attack on a slow surface.&nbsp; The highlight of the innings was Nilakshika Silva&rsquo;s explosive fifty, the fastest of the World Cup. Coming in at number six, she reached her half-century in just 26 balls, beating Bangladesh&rsquo;s Shorna Akter&rsquo;s record of 34 deliveries.&nbsp;It was her fourth half-century in ODIs, and she crossed the 1,000-run mark in the process, becoming only the eighth Sri Lankan to do so. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu returned to form with her 20th ODI fifty, adding 101 runs for the opening stand with Vishmi Gunaratne (42), while Hasini Perera (44) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (26) added useful runs before Nilakshika&rsquo;s late fireworks powered the total. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine took three wickets, while Bree Illing claimed two. The Kiwis will stay in Colombo to face Pakistan on Saturday, while Sri Lanka will take on an in-form South Africa on Friday.

Kiwis to stay in Colombo to face Pakistan on Saturday, Sri Lanka will take on an in-form South Africa on Friday.



Rain ruins Sri Lanka’s strong start in World Cup clash

2025 Women's Cricket World Cup - South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first against India. (icc-cricket.com)

India holds third position with two wins from two matches, while South Africa stands fifth with one win and one loss. 

Women's Cricket World Cup: India seizes early advantage against South Africa

COLOMBO: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her Pakistan counterpart Fatima Sana did not shake hands at the toss of Sunday&#39;s Women&#39;s World Cup cricket match, mirroring the actions of their men&#39;s teams.&nbsp;Sana won the toss and chose to field at Colombo&#39;s R. Premadasa Stadium, where there were also no formal greetings between the players of both teams before the national anthems.&nbsp;The neighbors faced off three times at the recent men&#39;s Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and did not shake hands before or after.&nbsp;The Asia Cup, which concluded last Sunday with India beating their rivals, was notable for ill-feeling between the two teams and a series of on-field flashpoints.&nbsp;The tournament in the UAE was the first time the nuclear-armed neighbors had met since a deadly border conflict between them in May.&nbsp;India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the Women&#39;s World Cup.&nbsp;As part of a compromise deal, Pakistan will play all their matches, including Sunday&#39;s group match in Sri Lanka, rather than travel to India.&nbsp;India and Pakistan only meet in cricket in international tournaments and on neutral territory. India were 86-2 after 20 overs.

Women's cricket World Cup, ICC, Pakistan vs India

Pakistan win the toss, opt to field first. India are 86-2 after 20 overs.

No handshakes again as India, Pakistan meet at Women's World Cup

Syed Ahmed Raza

COLOMBO: Pakistan will face traditional rivals India in their ICC Women&rsquo;s World Cup 2025 fixture at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, in what promises to be one of the tournament&rsquo;s most anticipated encounters. The match will start at 2:30 PM.&nbsp;Pakistan are seeking a strong comeback after their opening match defeat to Bangladesh, while India began their campaign with a win over Sri Lanka.&nbsp;For Pakistan, the contest provides an opportunity to register a historic first victory over India in the 50-over format and boost their hopes of progressing further in the tournament.&nbsp;The match comes amid heightened political tensions between the two countries. Officials indicated that, as seen during the men&rsquo;s Asia Cup last month, players may not exchange customary handshakes before or after the game.&nbsp;Both sides are under pressure, with India aiming to move closer to a semifinal spot and Pakistan determined to turn the tide against their arch-rivals in Colombo.&nbsp;Likely XIs&nbsp;Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz, Fatima Sana (C), Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal.&nbsp;India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud and Shree Charani.

Pakistan eye breakthrough against India in Women’s World Cup clash

GUWAHATI: England flexed their muscles in their Women&#39;s World Cup opener with a ruthless 10-wicket demolition of South Africa in Guwahati on Friday. After bowling out the Proteas for a paltry 69 in just 20.4 overs, England&#39;s openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones made light work of the chase, cantering home in 14.1 overs. Electing to bowl first, England rolled the dice early by tossing the new ball to spin, a move captains often shy away from in the power play. But left-arm tweaker Linsey Smith turned out to be the ace up their sleeve, exploiting a tacky surface that had South Africa groping in the dark. &quot;To get that start was very special. I only found out yesterday that I was opening the bowling and I was excited for the challenge. The conditions suited me well,&quot; said Smith. It was just Smith&#39;s fifth ODI, but the 30-year-old is no stranger to international cricket, having been part of England&#39;s T20 side since 2018. Now a permanent fixture in the 50-over team, her willingness to bowl in the danger zone of the power play could be a trump card for England going forward in this campaign. Smith struck in each of her first three overs and was unlucky not to bag a fourth when a stumping chance off Sinalo Jafta went begging. Jafta clung on grimly for 22, the lone South African to reach double figures in a sorry tale of collapse. It was the Proteas&#39; third lowest total in ODIs and their worst against England. The chase was little more than a formality, though Jones survived a let-off on 31 when Masabata Klaas spilled a return catch. She finished unbeaten on 40 with Beaumont on 21 not out. &quot;Not the way we wanted to start the tournament. We&#39;ve shown resilience in the past and we&#39;ll bounce back,&quot; South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt insisted as her batters were left searching for answers. England&#39;s dominance was such that Heather Knight, marking her 150th ODI appearance wasn&#39;t required to bat or bowl as her team-mates were so dominant against South Africa. She became only the second player from England to feature in 150 women&#39;s ODIs. The emphatic win vaulted England to the top of the points table with all eight teams now having played one game each.

South Africa's Anneke Bosch walks off the field after losing her wicket as England's players celebrate during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between England and South Africa in Guwahati, India, Tuesday, October 3, 2025. (AP)

England dominated South Africa by 10 wickets in their Women’s World Cup opener, with Linsey Smith’s spin bowling instrumental in bowling out the Proteas for 69. Openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones completed an easy chase.

England thrash South Africa by 10 wickets at Women's World Cup

COLOMBO: Bangladesh spun out Pakistan for 129 and notched a memorable seven-wicket victory at the Women&rsquo;s Cricket World Cup on Thursday. Rubya Haider made a dream ODI debut for Bangladesh, in the World Cup no less, when her unbeaten 54 with eight fours anchored their chase to 131-3 in 31.3 overs for only their second victory in tournament history. Bangladesh&#39;s only previous win was also against Pakistan at the last World Cup in 2022 in New Zealand. Rubya used her feet well against the Pakistan spinners. Fast bowler Diana Beg didn&rsquo;t allow Bangladesh to score freely with the new ball and trapped Fargana Hoque lbw in her second over. Rameen Shamim also claimed Sharmin Akhter leg before in the 12th over. <figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/ff959fc6-b7f0-4718-ac1a-5339a9d69c1d-AP25275430783789.jpg" alt="Bangladesh's Shorna Akter, center, celebrates the wicket of Pakistan's Natalia Parvaiz during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, October 2, 2025. (AP)" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Bangladesh&#39;s Shorna Akter, center, celebrates the wicket of Pakistan&#39;s Natalia Parvaiz during the ICC Women&#39;s Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, October 2, 2025. (AP)</figcaption></figure> But Rubya dominated the spinners with impeccable drives and reverse sweeps. She shared 62 runs with captain Nigar Sultana (23) and sealed the win with Sobhana Mostary, who was 24 not out, all from boundaries in 19 balls. On a perfect batting pitch, Pakistan was squeezed by Bangladesh&#39;s five spinners, who combined for eight wickets. The 20-year-old fast bowler Marufa Akter swung the new ball well and clean-bowled Omaima Sohail and in-form batter Sidra Amin without scoring in her first over. Amin, who scored back-to-back ODI centuries against South Africa at home, was out for a golden duck for the first time in her ODI career when she chopped on. Pakistan never recovered from those two early jolts. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter took 2-19 and the 18-year-old Shorna Akter ran through the tail and took career-best figures of 3-5 in 3.3 overs. Shorna bowled three successive maiden overs before the bizarre dismissal of Nashra Sandhu, who got hit wicket when she left the ball but struck the stumps as she tried to bring her bat down. Shamim was the top scorer with 23 as Pakistan was bowled out in 38.3 overs. Pakistan will play all seven of its group games in Colombo. A semifinal and the final will also take place in the Sri Lanka capital if Pakistan make it that far.

Bangladesh's Marufa Akter celebrates the wicket of Pakistan's Omaima Sohail during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (AP)

Bangladesh secured a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Women’s Cricket World Cup, powered by Rubya Haider’s unbeaten 54 and a strong spin bowling performance that dismantled Pakistan’s lineup.

Articles tagged with "Women's Cricket World Cup 2025"