South Africa have regained their footing in the Women’s ODI World Cup final, with the dismissal of Jemimah Rodrigues marking a significant turning point in the contest. The Proteas’ decision to bring back Ayabonga Khaka proved decisive, as the experienced left-arm seamer bowled with precision, targeting the stumps and claiming two key Indian wickets in quick succession.

Rodrigues, who had been looking fluent at the crease, fell for 24 runs, edging a well-timed cover drive that failed to stay grounded. The ball was expertly held low by South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt at cover, with the third umpire confirming clean hands after multiple replays. This caught India’s batting line-up off guard, following the earlier dismissal of opener Shafali Verma, and slowed down their momentum at a critical stage of the innings.

The wickets have forced India onto the back foot, leaving them to rebuild cautiously before attempting a late surge in the final ten overs. With dew expected later in the match, any total below 300 could become difficult to defend, making the remaining partnerships crucial for the visitors.

Meanwhile, a tense moment occurred when Nadine de Klerk appealed for LBW against Deepti Sharma. The on-field umpire initially raised his finger, but Deepti opted for a review. Replays confirmed the ball pitched outside leg and did not strike the bat, with the decision overturned — eliciting loud cheers from the crowd. While this reprieve offered India some relief, the twin blows of Verma and Rodrigues falling have made South Africa’s task much easier.

Khaka’s disciplined, stump-to-stump bowling has reinvigorated the Proteas, transforming the match into a more evenly poised contest. Rodrigues’ wicket, in particular, will be remembered as a key moment that shifted the momentum back in South Africa’s favour. India now face the challenge of steadying the innings and finding partnerships capable of taking them to a competitive total in the remaining overs, as South Africa’s bowlers continue to apply pressure in this high-stakes encounter.

With the final in full swing, the dismissal of Rodrigues is a definite blow to the women in blue where a maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title is at stake. (With inputs from Agencies)