India, Oct. 10 -- It was a story all too familiar for India. A collapse, dotting up in the middle-overs and another chaotic unravelling against left-arm spin.

In their first two matches of the 2025 Women's World Cup, India managed to escape through the cracks. Against Sri Lanka, they clawed back from 124/6 to 269/8. Against Pakistan, from 159/5 to 247. But those were subcontinental rivals, opponents India had dominated in the past.

South Africa, fresh off a stirring comeback win against New Zealand after a heartbreaking 10-wicket loss to England, were not going to be generous.

India's recent head-to-head record against South Africa offered comfort having won five consecutive ODIs before this game, but their World Cup history told a dif...