India kept the pressure on in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final against South Africa on Sunday, striking twice to remove Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch and halt the Proteas’ early charge in their pursuit of 299.

Brits was run out following a sharp direct hit from Amanjot Kaur at the non-striker’s end, breaking a brisk 50-run opening stand with Laura Wolvaardt that had given South Africa a strong platform in the powerplay.

Sree Charani then claimed a wicket in her first over, trapping Bosch leg-before to leave South Africa on the back foot.

Despite the setbacks, Wolvaardt continued her stellar form, reaching her 39th ODI half-century and combining with Sune Luus to steady the innings past the 100-run mark and keep the chase alive.

Earlier, India posted 298 for seven — the second-highest total ever recorded in a Women’s ODI World Cup final — after a commanding 100-run opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.

Verma top-scored with a fluent 87, surviving an early reprieve when Bosch dropped her on 55, while Mandhana added 45 to set the tone.

Deepti Sharma anchored the middle order with a composed 58, and Richa Ghosh chipped in with a lively 34 to lift India near the 300 mark.

South Africa’s bowlers fought back in the latter stages, with Ayabonga Khaka leading the attack with figures of 3 for 58.

Also, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon claimed a wicket apiece as the Proteas restricted India to just 12 runs in the final two overs.

Earlier, rain caused a delay in the start of the match at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, forcing the toss to be postponed for over an hour before play began at 5pm local time. No overs were lost, though further interruptions remained a concern.

With two key wickets already in the bag, India’s disciplined bowling effort has tilted the balance their way — but South Africa’s hopes now rest on Wolvaardt’s resilience as they chase their maiden World Cup crown.