Harmanpreet’s last-over heroics clinch World Cup Qualifier final

colombo, February 21

Harmanpreet Kaur blasted a six off the penultimate delivery to power India to a one-wicket win over South Africa in a last-ball thriller at the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier final at P Sara Oval.

Needing nine off six balls, the Indian women were staring at a defeat when they lost Poonam Yadav (7) off the first delivery of the last over. Harmanpreet was unable to score off the next three balls, but then she struck Marcia Letsoalo over deep midwicket to bring India back in the chase and sealed the win with a double off the last ball of the match. Chasing 245 to win, opener Mona Meshram (59) and Deepti Sharma (71) were the star players for India as they added 124 runs for the second wicket. However, India lost wickets in a heap after that, going from 144/1 to 186/3 to 223/8, even as No. 5 Harmanpreet helplessly watched from the other end. Earlier, Rajeshwari Gayakwad (3/51) claimed three wickets in nine overs  to help India bowl out South Africa for 244.

Brief scores: SA: 244 all out in 49.4 overs (M du Preez 40; R Gayakwad 3/51); India: 245/9 in 50 overs (D  Sharma 71, M Meshram 59; M Kapp 2/36, A Khaka 2/55). — PTI