Luus, Wolvaardt make fifties as Proteas fall short in Women's World Cup warm-up

The Proteas lost their first warm-up match against India at Rangiora Oval in preparation for next week's Women's Cricket World Cup on Sunday morning.

South Africa lost by the narrowest margins, falling two runs short as they failed to chase 245 despite half-centuries by skipper Sune Luus and opener Laura Wolvaardt.

After Luus won the toss and chose to bowl first, India suffered an early blow when opener Smriti Mandhana was hit on the helmet by fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, which saw her eventually retired hurt on 12.

Bowler Ayabonga Khaka struck shortly afterwards as Deepti Sharma scored 5 and skipper Mithali Raj was run out for a duck.

A crucial 84-run partnership between vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia soon saw India propel to a competitive target.

Harmanpreet scored a sublime century as she made 103 off 114 deliveries (nine fours), while Bhatia contributed a well-played 58 off 78 balls.

Khaka took three for 23 as India posted 244/9 in their 50 overs in Rangiora.

In reply, the Proteas put up a valiant effort with the bat thanks to an 80-run partnership between skipper Luus and Wolvaardt.

Luus top-scored for South Africa as she scored 86 off 98 balls (six fours), while Wolvaardt notched up 83 off 95 balls, which included 7 fours and two sixes.

Despite their partnership, the Proteas continued to lose wickets at crucial moments of the game with Rajeshwari Gayakwad capturing four wickets for just 46 runs.

The Proteas eventually fell two runs short of their target as they could only manage 242/7 in their 50 overs.

The Proteas women's final warm-up encounter is on Tuesday against England at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln (22:00 SA time). 

They get their World Cup campaign under way on Saturday against Bangladesh at