South Africa Lauds Proteas Women After First ODI World Cup Final, Pledges Support

Overview

• India won the final by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai for a maiden title, posting 298/7 as South Africa were all out for 246, according to official statements and local reports.
• South Africa’s run featured a group-topping campaign with five wins in six matches and the tournament’s best net run rate.
• The Proteas beat defending champions England by 125 runs in a Newlands semifinal, with Marizanne Kapp taking five wickets.
• Captain Laura Wolvaardt produced standout knockout performances, including centuries in both the semifinal and the final.
• The government praised the team, committed investment in women’s cricket and grassroots pathways, renewed a call for equal pay, and acknowledged timing discrepancies in communications that alternately congratulated India and referenced preparing to face Australia.