South Africa Women cruised past India Women by 8 wickets in the 2nd T20I of the five match series at Durban. After being asked to bat first, India Women managed to score only 147 runs in 20 overs. Chloe Tryon (3/22 in 4 overs) and Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31 in 4 overs) dismantled the India Women batting lineup. Shafali Verma, who scored 57 runs off 38 balls, was the highest scorer for India.
While chasing, Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus gave South Africa Women a flying start. Both played blazing knocks and scored half-centuries. Although both players were dismissed before the finish line, Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen guided South Africa Women to victory. Shreyanka Patil (2/35 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for India Women. With this win, South Africa Women now lead the series 2-0.
India collapse after steady start
India looked set for a big total. They reached 99 for 2 in the 13th over and were on track for a score above 160. However, their innings fell apart quickly. They lost eight wickets for just 48 runs, ending with a below-par total.
Shafali Verma stood out with a brilliant 57. She was one of only two Indian players to score more than 20 runs. Debutant Anushka Sharma added 28, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to contribute.
South Africa’s bowlers shared the wickets well. Tumi Sekhukhune and Chloe Tryon took three wickets each, while Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered an economical spell of 1 for 17 in four overs.
South Africa chase with ease
The pitch became slightly harder to bat on later, so India hoped their total of 147 would be competitive. However, South Africa made the chase look simple.
Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus built a strong opening partnership of 106 runs. Though both were dismissed before the finish, the foundation they laid ensured there was no pressure on the rest of the batting. Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen completed the chase comfortably with 17 balls remaining.
Shafali shines in milestone match
At just 22, Shafali has already reached 100 T20I matches. She showed her class once again with an aggressive innings. She started strongly, hitting a six straight down the ground early in the match. She also took advantage of loose bowling in the powerplay.
Shafali got a lifeline when dropped on 28, and she made it count. She reached her 15th T20I fifty in just 31 balls. She added a few more runs before getting out for 57.
South Africa improve after early fielding errors
South Africa’s fielding was not sharp at the start. They dropped Shafali once and also gave Anushka two chances. However, their fielding improved later in the innings.
Wolvaardt took a fine catch to dismiss Richa Ghosh. A quick run-out followed, with Sinalo Jafta completing the effort behind the stumps. Nadine de Klerk then produced an excellent diving catch to wrap up a strong comeback in the field.
Wolvaardt and Luus deliver with the bat
South Africa’s opening pair proved highly effective. Wolvaardt and Luus opened together for only the second time in T20Is but delivered a match-winning stand.
Wolvaardt played her usual elegant shots on the off side and reached her 15th T20I fifty. Luus supported her well with strong play on the leg side and scored her first fifty in 10 innings. Their partnership ensured South Africa stayed in control throughout the chase.
India’s bowling fails to make impact
India made some changes to their bowling attack, but they did not get the desired results. Kranti Gaud, playing her first T20I against South Africa, struggled and conceded 20 runs in two overs.
Anushka bowled just one delivery, which was hit for four to seal the match. South Africa targeted left-arm spinner Shree Charani effectively. Both Wolvaardt and Luus used good footwork and sweep shots to score freely against her. Charani conceded 39 runs in her four overs, which further weakened India’s defence.
The South Africa women’s team secured their second successful chase of the series. The match followed a pattern similar to the first game, with India starting well but failing to finish strongly. South Africa now lead 2-0 and will head to the Highveld with strong momentum. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!