(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) Indian opener Smriti Mandhana made history, overtaking compatriot and former skipper Mithali Raj to register the best-ever ICC Women's World Cup campaign in history by an Indian batter. During the title clash against South Africa at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Mandhana scored a valuable 45 in 58 balls, with eight fours. Her runs came at a strike rate of 77.59. She let Shafali Verma let her arms loose at the other end, and they put on a century stand. Mandhana ends the tournament as India's highest run-getter and overall second behind SA skipper Laura Wolvaardt (470 runs), with 434 runs in nine innings at an average of 54.25, with a century and two fifties. Her best score is 109.

Mandhana Surpasses Mithali's 2017 Record

Before her, Mithali produced India's best-ever World Cup campaign with the bat during the 2017 edition, scoring 409 runs in nine innings at an average of 45.44 and a strike rate of 70.15, with a century and three fifties and a best score of 109 as well, falling just one short of England's Tammy Beaumont (410).

Mandhana's Dominant Year in ODIs

This year in women's ODIs, Smriti has emerged as the top run-getter with a record-breaking 1,362 runs in 23 innings at an average of 61.90, with five centuries and fifties each and a best score of 135.

World Cup Final: India vs South Africa

Coming to the match, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first. This night, the world will witness the crowning of a new world champion.

Playing XIs

Teams: India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba. (ANI) (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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