India placed themselves in a commanding position in the Women’s World Cup final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, setting South Africa a competitive 299 after a top-order display built on Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 and Deepti Sharma’s composed half-century. The total is India’s highest in a World Cup final and the second-highest ever posted in a women’s ICC trophy decider.

Play began after a two-hour delay owing to a wet outfield, but the stop-start morning did little to slow India’s openers. Shafali and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who has now crossed 40-plus scores in three consecutive World Cup knockout matches, added 104 at a brisk tempo. Shafali, recalled for the semifinal following Pratika Rawal’s injury, continued her resurgence with her maiden ODI fifty since 2021, marking her fifth in the format.

Once the pair departed, South Africa clawed back through Ayabonga Khaka, whose 3/58 kept India from pushing beyond the 300-mark. Her strikes removed Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues, while left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba checked the momentum by dismissing skipper Harmanpreet Kaur just as she was settling in.

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India’s middle order wobbled briefly, a familiar pattern from previous tournaments, including their narrow loss in the 2022 World Cup final. However, Deepti Sharma restored composure with a well-paced 58. It was her 18th ODI half-century and her third of the tournament, underlining her reputation as India’s most reliable crisis batter in global events. Richa Ghosh’s late surge, a lively 34 off 24 balls, lifted the total to 298/7.

South Africa, still chasing their first ICC title, now face a daunting target. They have never successfully chased more than 270 against India in an ODI, and no side has ever overhauled 299 in a Women’s World Cup final. Their hopes will rest heavily on captain Laura Wolvaardt and senior batter Marizanne Kapp, who earlier went wicketless in her spell.

The final, staged at a packed DY Patil Stadium, marks India’s third appearance in a Women’s World Cup final after 2005 and 2017. With a sizeable home crowd behind them and a strong first-innings total on the board, India hold the advantage — but South Africa’s powerful middle order ensures the contest remains open.