Navi Mumbai: The women in blue made a solid start in the ICC Women’s World Cup final against South Africa at the D Y Patil Stadium here on Sunday after the game was delayed by two hours due to rain and a wet outfield.

Asked to bat first after South African captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss, India reached 58 for no loss in 8 overs. Shafali Verma got off to a flier and hit five boundaries to be unbeaten on 27 off 21 balls. Run-machine Smriti Mandhana caught up after a cautious start and was on 23 off 27 balls, with four boundaries. ADVERTISEMENT

Despite the late start, there has been no reduction of overs, and the final will be a 50 overs-a-side affair, weather permitting.

There is a reserve day’s provision in case the match can’t be completed today. Like in men’s ODIs, a minimum of 2

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