India Women defeated South Africa Women by 14 runs in the fourth T20I of the five match series at the Wanderers. After being invited to bat first, India Women scored 185/5 in 20 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues played a brisk knock of 43 runs off 29 balls. Later, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh added a quick 65-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which helped India reach a strong total near the 180-run mark. Kayla Reyneke (2/10 in 2 overs) was the most successful bowler for South Africa Women, while Eliz-Mari Marx also picked up two wickets.

In reply, Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus gave South Africa a flying start, adding 32 runs in just 3.3 overs. South Africa looked in a comfortable position until the 11th over. However, disciplined bowling from the Indian bowlers changed the momentum. Shree Charani dismissed Tazmin Brits in the 14th over. After that, South Africa lost another five wickets in the next 25 balls. Deepti Sharma (5/19 in 4 overs) dismantled the middle and lower order.

In the end, South Africa Women managed 171/9 in 20 overs and lost the match by 14 runs. Sune Luus was the top scorer for South Africa. Despite the win, India still trail 3-1 in the series.

Deepti Sharma Leads India’s Fightback

All eyes were on Deepti Sharma, who had been struggling for form. She responded in style with a complete performance.

Deepti scored 36 runs off 26 balls and built an unbeaten 65-run partnership with Richa Ghosh for the sixth wicket. This helped India post a strong total of 185.

Later, she dominated with the ball and picked up five wickets for just 19 runs, recording the best figures of her T20I career.

Injury Concern Adds to India’s Worries

However, India faced another injury setback. They were already missing Amanjot Kaur due to a back injury and Arundhati Reddy, who is recovering after scans for a side strain.

During the match, Kranti Gaud injured her ankle while chasing a ball near the boundary. She had to leave the field on a golf cart. Before that, she completed her spell and took one wicket, including that of South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, ending her streak of five consecutive 50-plus scores.

South Africa Depend Too Much on Laura Wolvaardt

South Africa struggled to build partnerships after losing their captain early. No batter managed to cross 40 except Sune Luus, who scored 40 runs.

The team’s biggest partnership was only 44 runs between Luus and Tazmin Brits. The absence of Nadine de Klerk further weakened their batting lineup.

Tazmin Brits Impresses in the Field

Although Tazmin Brits had a quiet time with the bat, she made a big impact in the field.

India started well in the powerplay, reaching 47 runs. However, Brits produced a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Anushka Sharma, who was playing in place of Smriti Mandhana and had scored 27 off 18 balls.

India Lose Momentum After Strong Start

India were in a solid position at 102 for 3 in the 12th over after a 55-run stand between Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues.

However, things quickly changed. Bharti Fulmali, playing her first T20I since 2019, was given out lbw for 2. Soon after, Harmanpreet walked off after an appeal behind the stumps, even though the umpire did not give her out.

As a result, India slipped to 120 for 5, losing three wickets in just 14 balls.

Sune Luus Fights Back

After Laura Wolvaardt got out early, Sune Luus took responsibility.

She scored quickly and looked set for a half-century. She played some aggressive shots, including a six over long-on. However, she was eventually dismissed for 40 off 24 balls.

Deepti Seals the Match with the Ball

Deepti’s performance with the ball turned the match in India’s favour. She dismissed key batters at crucial moments.

She first removed Annerie Dercksen and later returned to dismiss Kayla Reyneke when South Africa needed a strong finish. In the final overs, she picked up two more wickets, including Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune.

Her outstanding spell ensured India sealed the win and ended their wait for a successful defence.

India finally managed to defend a total in the series after four matches. They stopped South Africa from completing what could have been their second-highest successful chase in T20 internationals.

As a result, India won the match by 14 runs. However, South Africa still lead the series 3-1 with one match remaining. Despite the result, the game raised questions about South Africa’s squad depth while giving India some much-needed answers. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!