Shafali Verma fell agonisingly short of a century in the Women’s ODI World Cup final on Sunday, bringing an end to what had been a sparkling innings in a high-pressure match against South Africa. The right-hander, who was brought into India’s XI after an injury and had impressed with 87 off 78 balls in the semifinal against Australia, looked well on course for a maiden World Cup hundred before a miscued shot in the air. Her dismissal came in the 28th over when Ayabonga Khaka tempted her into a lofted shot. Shafali failed to get enough elevation, and Laura Wolvaardt’s side finally broke through after a strong Indian start. The catch was safely taken by South Africa's Sune Luus at mid-off, sending the in-form batter back for 87 from 78 deliveries, with seven fours and two sixes

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