Smriti Mandhana departs in tame fashion after 104-run opening partnership in IND vs SA Women's World Cup 2025 final [Watch]

Team India opening batter Smriti Mandhana narrowly missed out on a fifty after losing her wicket to Chloe Tryon in the Women's World Cup 2025 Final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, November 2. The left-handed opener nicked one while trying to play the cut shot to hand the opposition their first breakthrough after a brilliant 104-run stand.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma guided India to a flying start after opposition skipper Laura Wolvaardt opted to bowl first. The former largely played second fiddle and switched gears slowly, while the returning Shafali Verma was at her explosive best to capitalize on the first power play.

Smriti Mandhana looked in solid touch against the spinners as they tried to bring some control during the middle overs. While India have had their issues with spin of late, particularly left-arm spin, the pair dealt the duo of Nonkululeko Mlaba and Sune Luus well.

Left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon was brought into the attack in the 18th over of the innings, and Mandhana took her on for a boundary off just the second delivery. Right after the 100-run stand was brought up, the opener rocked onto her back foot to play the cut shot.

However, she could only get an outside edge, which was well-taken by wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta to end the partnership. Have a look at the dismissal right here.

Smriti Mandhana had to walk back after scoring 45 runs off 58 deliveries. Her knock included eight fours, and came at a strike rate of 77.59.

Smriti Mandhana ends the Women's World Cup 2025 campaign with an impressive run tally of 434

The opening batter had a slow start to the tournament, but was eventually among the runs to end with 434 runs, the highest tally by an Indian batter in a single edition of the competition. She overtook Mithali Raj's 409-run tally achieved during the 2017 Women's World Cup in England.

At the time of writing, India are well-placed at 137-1 in the 24th over. Shafali Verma was handed a second life after Anneke Bosch dropped a routine chance in deep mid-wicket.

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Edited by Gokul Nair